Vision 2030 : One Million Global Leaders

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When Professor M.S.Rao, International Leadership Guru asked me to write a foreword for his book, Professor M.S.Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders, I consented because of his passion and purpose—to develop global leaders who serve the greater cause of global peace and prosperity.  Professor Rao shares his 34 years of diversified experience including defence, teaching, training, research and consultancy.  He highlights the spirit of India and underscores his passion for students and vision for India to grow as an economic super power. He unveils that India has the potential to grow as a super power by 2050 if it leverages its natural resources and human resources effectively. 

“I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free.” ? Michelangelo Welcome to Professor M.S.Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders.  You must be astonished to see another book on leadership. I am passionate about leadership and help people grow as successful leaders. This book describes my vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030.

I have a lifetime goal to build one million students as global leaders. I share it with students and participants regularly during my teaching and training programs. I also share it in my articles, blogs and books. 

As every individual dreams of his/her own future, every citizen dreams of his/her own nation. Similarly, I have dreams of my India. I want India to be one of the finest nations in the world with peace, prosperity and stability. 

With the US President, Barack Obama’s visit to India to grace as a guest for Republic Day celebrations 2015, the world is watching keenly and closely about the India’s growing power globally. India and Indians were ignored until recently. But with Barack Obama’s visit as the guest for Republic Day, the spotlight turned on India. 

It is a matter of pride for all Indians that Indian child rights activist, Kailash Satyarthi bagged Nobel Peace Prize along with Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan. The committee’s announcement notes: The Nobel Committee regards it as an important point for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education and against extremism. 

There is a debate in the Indian media whether Indians are leaders or followers. There is a narrow observation that Indians lack leadership abilities as they follow others easily. 

An average Indian doesn’t think of adding value to his nation. An average student doesn’t think of adding value to his education. An average child doesn’t think of adding value to his parents. An average citizen does not think of adding value to his society. 

On October 01, 2014, I was interviewed by an eminent international journal on mentoring and leadership. There were several questions and one of the questions on mentoring was as follows: ‘I know you’ve probably had many mentors who have contributed to your professional success. 

When I worked as a professor in a college I used to commute in the college bus as I wanted to connect with my students to understand their psychology, and to counsel them during the commuting time.

Presently college students in India are more interested in Facebook than in textbooks. They wake up from bed and check for updates in their Facebook accounts rather than to acquire knowledge from the textbooks.

Whenever students write their examinations, they have lots of apprehensions about exams which is known as ‘exam fever’ in India. They find it challenging to overcome it. Many students don’t know how to beat their anxiety before and during the exams. 

Interview is all about interaction, communication and negotiation. Everyone undergoes interview one way or the other in their personal, professional or social life.

You are a gem but you don’t know how to discover it. You have the power to take on the leadership challenges but you don’t know how to utilize it. You have the ability to conquer the world but you don’t understand how to exploit it. You have a heart to make difference in the lives of others but you don’t recognize it. 

Students enter into educational institutions with high expectations and aspirations. They are filled with lots of energy and enthusiasm.

Most students work hard and smart to acquire educational qualifications. They often compete with their colleagues to stand out. One degree they must acquire is ‘character degree’. Other degrees don’t have any value, if they are not equipped with this character degree.

In October 2015, I was invited for an ‘interaction day’ for the students of management education of a prestigious business school in India. Interaction day is organized for new students in India to get them acquainted with the educational institution.

Research shows that 70% students lose their interest when they reach the 4th year of engineering; 20% students sustain their interest; and only 10% students fare better when compared with their performance in Intermediate (10+2 standard) that is a two years education Indian students pursue before joining any degree courses. 

It is often heard in Indian educational institutions that academia is a refuge of the rejects which means those who don’t get any opportunities in industry, or rejected by other professions become academicians ultimately.

There is often a debate whether education is for employment or enlightenment. There are different schools of thought about the importance of education. Some scholars think that education is only for enlightenment while some practitioners believe that education is only for employment. 

Currently there is a huge gap between the industry and academia in India resulting in unemployability in Indian students. Students of both engineering and management education encounter innumerable challenges to grab employment opportunities and to grow as entrepreneurs. 

In September 2015, I had the privilege of counseling students who were joining a prestigious business school to acquire management education. Some of the parents of the students also participated in the interactive session. 

Leaders at all levels admit the fact that they cannot do away with organizational politics as they understand that it has become a necessary evil. 

In the month of Feb 2015, I was invited to preside as a judge for a discussion forum in an educational institution where the students of engineering and management graduates participated actively.

We have heard leadership pipeline where the leadership talent is kept ready in the pipeline to avert any kind of organizational eventuality.

Traveling is taxing for some people while it is enjoyable for some people. It depends on the mindset of the people. Those who are lazy don’t appreciate travelling. 

Why is the Indian Media so Negative When there are Positive Aspects to Emphasize? No nation can survive when its citizens are cynical. No nation can progress when its people look more of negative aspects rather than positive aspects. 

Everyone has goals in their lives. Most people have their personal and professional goals while a few have social goals. In order to find meaning to your life, you must have your personal, professional and social goals and ensure that they are aligned effectively.

Once I was asked to interact and inspire students who were joining management education in a business school. I thought that it was a great opportunity to share my ideas and insights to inspire students.

Presently there is increased intolerance among the people globally with alarming conflicts and divorces. Families are getting disintegrated due to lack of love and affection, and empathy among the family members. Additionally, there is little emphasis on ethical values. 

When you want to make a difference to the world you must identify the unique global challenges and explore innovative solutions to resolve them. 

Gratitude is an integral part of life. In some countries, ‘thanksgiving day’ is celebrated to express their gratitude. When someone does favour to us, we must recognize it and reciprocate in whatever the manner possible to us. 

Change the World with Your Brilliant Ideas You can change the world, if you have great ideas. You don’t need any army, or political party or country. 

All over the world, the expectations and aspirations of the people are rising. Employees expect a lot from employers; customers expect a lot from companies; students expect a lot from teachers; children expect a lot from their parents; and citizens expect a lot from their leaders.

There are many people born and dead everyday in this world without unlocking their potential. In fact, all of you are gifted with an immense potential but you don’t know how to realize and unlock it.

India is a country of contrasts where people of all religions, races, languages, regions live together with universal brotherhood and fraternity. 

I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. Hence, I decided to share my ideas and insights on Mahatma Gandhi. On October 2nd, we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti in India, and the United Nations observes this day as ‘International Day of NonViolence’ to commemorate his birth anniversary.

Globally there is a frequent discussion about India becoming as a Super Power by 2050. There are four countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China that have the potential to grow in future. 

In January 2015, I was interviewed by an eminent newspaper about my Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot. in/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html. 

In December 2014, I met one of my best friends, Abhay Vir Singh from Indian Air Force after ten years in Haridwar, India. We recalled our past life and compared between the past and the present.

I celebrated my birthday on October 31, 2015. I received lots of e-mails from my students and some of my ex-students phoned me from various parts of the world greeting me on the eve of my birthday. I was touched with their reverence!