What today's children need in order to develop into future leaders

India, as the land of youth, has been presented with an opportunity to nurture future leaders. As we embark on this journey, let’s ask ourselves, ‘who is a leader?’ A true leader is one who understands that we are all pieces of a puzzle that complete a picture, and we all need to do the right thing, the right way. 

Develop Self Awareness

We all possess infinite attributes that help us live through life successfully. We can help children discover their uniqueness by exposing them to different subjects. Teachers are the observers who can aid in recognising this uniqueness through different techniques of play. When we nurture uniqueness and celebrate milestones rather than just grades, we contribute to developing the self-esteem of a child.  A foundation of self-esteem helps us live successfully, where money and titles become a by-product, not the destination. 

Celebrate the Courage to be Authentic

Freedom of self-expression is our birthright. The expectation to fit in in creates stress. Let’s pause and assess, does the current education system develop emotionally resilient and innovative human beings or students who have learned to follow a system? We need leaders, not just followers. Self leadership requires time, space, nourishment and patience and above all, courage to live with authenticity. This can start with simple steps like making them take responsibility for their choices and presenting consequences for their actions. The courage to make choices and face consequences comes from faith in Self. 

Nurture Conscious Leaders 

We can develop faith in Self when we have knowledge on the Truth of Life. True knowledge as per Chapter 5, verse 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, is whereby a conscious person does not make any distinction between species or castes and knows that life force is present in everyone. When children understand this Truth of life, we can shape them as responsible citizens of society who can live with integrity and compassion. 

“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” - Rabindranath Tagore