RESILIENCE

“My message has always been about resilience”, Dave Peizer.

She lost her husband at a young age and was stopped from committing “Sati” by her father-in-law who trained her in matters of military and administration. Call it her tryst with destiny, soon she lost her father-in-law and her son in quick succession. She quickly collected herself, keeping the welfare of her people and kingdom, kept her overwhelming emotions of grief and sorrow under check to take on the position of ruler. She dared the internal enemies and hostility against her from ranks who objected to her accession to the throne. Her prowess in affairs of military and administration made her a trustworthy leader for the army of Holkars who stood by her side and backed their Queen's leadership.?

With her exceptional prowess in archery, sword fighting and battlefield skills, she? led her troops from the front and won many battles thus consolidating, protecting her kingdom from external threats, her position as a brave and valiant queen. Known for her benevolent and just rule, she was deeply respected by her subjects. Her legacy as a strong and capable ruler has earned her a place in the Indian history as one of the most revered monarchs. She was Queen AhilyaBai Holkar.? She is remembered for her resilience, humility, courage, piety, commitment to the welfare of her people and for taking of her kingdom.

True to the words of Sheri L. Dew who said, “Indeed, this life is a test. It is a test of many things - of our convictions and priorities, our faith and our faithfulness, our patience and our resilience, and in the end, our ultimate desires”, Queen Ahilybai Holkar bounced back strong, from all the setbacks to script history.

Great leaders exhibit unparalleled resilience and resoluteness. They hone their ability to quickly adapt and bounce back from situations that don’t go as planned. They constantly prepare themselves to face challenges, both expected and unexpected, without giving up. They see opportunities in every situation rather than getting overwhelmed by the failures or by the feeling of helplessness.?They practice self-awareness, are constant learners and continue to perform even under conditions of acute challenges, stress and strain. They are filled with confidence, hone their ability to think clearly and are adept in making rational decisions even in trying circumstances.?

Queen AhilyaBai Holkar was a resilient leader.

“Resilience isn't a single skill. It's a variety of skills and coping mechanisms. To bounce back from bumps in the road as well as failures, you should focus on emphasizing the positive”, said Jean Chatzky.

A tribute in the form of an English poem written by Joanna Baillie about AhilyaBai Holkar in 1849 reads as below:

"For thirty years her reign of peace,

The land in blessing did increase;

And she was blessed by every tongue,

By stern and gentle, old and young.

Yea, even the children at their mothers feet

Are taught such homely rhyming to repeat

"In latter days from Brahma came,

To rule our land, a noble Dame,

Kind was her heart, and bright her fame,

And Ahlya was her honoured name."?

Great leaders have a cap on their own resistance. They sport the quality of getting up each morning and showing up irrespective how awful the situations are. They put up their best foot forward always. They are acutely focussed on their purpose and goals. They have an exceptional ability to keep their emotions under check.

Be positive. Work to improve your confidence. Be humble. Take responsibility. Adapt quickly to the circumstances. Learn from your failures and bounce back.Keep your emotions under control and focus on your purpose to become a resilient leader.

“Everyone needs resilience. It's a virtue essential to growth and essential to happiness”. - Eric Greitens