SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today graced the convocation ceremony of the 9th batch and the induction of the 10th batch of the Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership (IIDL), an initiative of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mumbai. Addressing the graduating youth, faculty members, mentors, administrators, distinguished guests, and parents, the Lieutenant Governor said the event is a convergence of two important journeys, one reaching completion, and another beginning with new energy and hopes.
He congratulated the graduating students of the 9th batch, who now step into diverse fields of public life, and warmly welcomed the 10th batch, who begin their journey of learning with enthusiasm and aspirations. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the Institute would continue to enrich young leaders with constitutional values, discipline and wisdom.
Highlighting the journey of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini since its establishment in 1982, the Lieutenant Governor said it made immense contribution to leadership training and capacity building.
“With over 60,000 parliamentarians, legislators, panchayat representatives, entrepreneurs, and youth trained, the institution has played a pivotal role in strengthening governance and entrepreneurship. The creation of IIDL further ensured that India’s democratic institutions continue to receive young leadership infused with energy and resolve for nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that India’s future depends on addressing seven key challenges: sustaining long-term economic growth; eliminating terrorism, separatism and divisive forces while strengthening national unity; promoting transparent, accountable and technology-driven governance to curb corruption; ensuring merit-based opportunities in politics; fostering national integration through shared cultural initiatives; achieving global leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors; and building a world-class education system driven by quality, research, innovation and skills. He emphasized that overcoming these challenges requires the collective commitment of all Indians, especially the youth, to secure a prosperous, united and globally competitive India.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor also reminded the youth that leadership is about responsibility, ethics, and service. He praised the Institute’s motto, Lokahitam Mam Karaniyam – Welfare of the people is my duty- as a guiding principle for future leaders.
Drawing from the Vedas and Upanishads, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised collective resolve, unity, and noble intentions as the foundation of prosperity and harmony in the society. He urged young leaders to align their thoughts and actions with public welfare, echoing India’s civilisational legacy as the “Mother of Democracy.”
“Leadership means understanding people, creating new paths for them, and serving them with humility and honesty. Sardar Patel used to say that in difficult times, cowards find excuses, but brave people find a way. I appreciate the faculty members and mentors who, with tireless effort, dedication, and patience, have inspired new leaders to find new paths, acquainted them with the principles of governance, engaged them in serious discussion on various policies, and given them the opportunity to test ideas against the real challenges of public life,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor outlined four essential principles for democratic leadership- Honesty and transparency as the foundation of trust, Knowledge and wisdom as the compass guiding decisions, Sensitivity to maintain balance in democracy, and public service as the highest duty of leadership.
He stressed that institutions gain strength only when infused with ethical leadership, and that true success is measured not by position but by the lives transformed.
“The strength of democracy lies in Constitutional values, institutions and in those leaders who are committed to the values of honesty, humility, and public service. Remember that institutions create the structure of democracy, but it is ethical leadership that infuses them with life, purpose, and energy. Without ethical leadership, even the finest institutions weaken over time, whereas honest and accountable leadership can turn even ordinary institutions into powerful engines of change and nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that India today stands at a historic turning point, where its demographic power and civilisational journey are entering a new phase.
“With more than 65% of India’s population under 35, the youth emerged as the nation’s greatest strength. It is youth’s responsibility to transform this demographic dividend into a leadership dividend by building teams, empowering others, and creating roadmaps for inclusive growth,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor cited the transformation in Jammu Kashmir post-2020 as an example of leadership rooted in public service and good governance. With over 30,000 projects completed through public participation, strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions, and digital governance, he said the region exemplifies how transparency and accountability can bring historic change.
“In your professional life, make ethics your character, public service your duty, responsibility your identity, and excellence your style of work. I believe your success will not be judged by your position, but by how many lives you changed, how much trust you earned, and how positive an impact you left on society. To realise the resolve of Viksit Bharat, young leadership must bring change into the life of the last person standing in the queue of development,” the Lieutenant Governor told the youth.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the young leaders to balance tradition with modernity, and progress with sensitivity, to build a prosperous, inclusive, and innovative India that can guide the world.
“Every decision you make, every word you speak, and every action you take will either strengthen our democracy or weaken it. Therefore, let us choose with care and put the national interest first. Young leadership should be driven by innovation, empowered by technology, credible through transparency, humane through sensitivity, and result-oriented through effective implementation. Such leadership will strengthen good governance, deepen public trust in democracy, and take the nation to new heights.
Today’s young India is more educated, more advanced, more connected, and more ambitious than any previous generation. It has new ideas, capability, and energy. You will have to create roadmaps based on shared growth, equal opportunity, and the larger goals of nation-building. A new India, rapidly moving through urbanisation, climate change challenges, and rising aspirations, is looking for such young leaders who can solve complex problems and contribute to making policies that can transform people’s lives. I want you to always remember that the greatest strength of democracy is the trust of the people, and trust is built through dialogue, consensus, and inclusion. True leadership rises above the boundaries of caste, religion, and region, carries everyone together, and treats public welfare as its highest duty,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
