Academic Year 2022-24

Department: Economics

Name: Jolly Biswas

Roll No: BUR/EC/2022/005
Registration No: 202203000094 of 2022-23
Subject: MBA (Minor Elective)

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The question of whether leaders are born or made has intrigued people
for a long time. Some believe that certain individuals are born with
special qualities that make them natural leaders, while others argue that
effective leadership can be developed through education, experience,
and conscious effort.
Those who assert that leaders are born often highlight inherent traits
such as charisma, confidence, and a natural ability to influence others.
These individuals are believed to possess an innate capacity to navigate
challenges and inspire those around them, making leadership an
inherent aspect of their personality. On the contrary, proponents of the
"leaders are made" perspective emphasize the importance of learning,
adaptation, and experience in shaping effective leaders. They argue that
leadership skills can be honed through education, mentorship, and
exposure to diverse situations. Formal leadership training programs,
hands-on experience, and the ability to learn from failures are seen as
crucial elements in the development of effective leaders.
Supporters of the idea that leaders are born point to inherent qualities
like confidence, charisma, and the ability to inspire others. They argue
that some people just seem to have these traits from the beginning,
making leadership a part of who they are. Think about someone you
know who always seems to know what to say in a difficult situation or
who effortlessly motivates others – these are the born leaders. On the
other hand, those who claim that leaders are made highlight the
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importance of education, experience, and learning. They believe that
anyone can become a leader with the right training and opportunities.
Leadership skills, they argue, can be developed through practice,
mentorship, and exposure to different situations. Even if someone
doesn't naturally possess certain leadership qualities, they can learn and
grow into the role. As Shakespeare puts in "Some are born great, some
achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them". No
single conclusion could be deprived on the formation of these leaders.
It is essential for a person to realize and recognize the traits they possess
at different levels of an individual development plays a pivotal role in
the making of a great leader. Today's world has seen a large number of
leaders in different spheres. As Shakespeare puts in "Some are born
great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon
them". No single conclusion could be deprived on the formation of
these leaders. It is essential for a person to realize and recognize the
traits they possess at earlier later stages in life and later enhancement
of these traits would result in utilizing them optimally throughout the
life. A consistent approach towards grooming ones skills and talents
besides developing intellectual growth would be the most efficient
source to become a great leader. Adopting different leadership traits
while working would also prove to be beneficial.
In reality, it's likely a combination of both. Some people may have a
natural inclination toward leadership, but that doesn't mean they don't
need to work on their skills. Even the most charismatic person can
benefit from learning about effective communication or conflict
resolution. Likewise, someone who might not initially appear as a born
leader can become one through dedication and learning.

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 NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE
My Role Model

Some people influence us more than others. There is something about their
personality that attracts us to them. And we, consciously or otherwise, try to be
like them —if not exactly, at least in some
respect.
Subhas Chandra Bose, often hailed as one of our
country’s most revolutionary freedom fighters,
stands as a shining example of courage and
selflessness. He is my role model whom I admire
most because of his ideology and fearless attitude
Whenever I recall this legendary figure, his
powerful words resonate in my mind: “You give
me blood, I shall give you freedom.” Fondly
addressed as “Netaji,” he came into this world in
Odisha on January 23, 1897, born to Janakinath
Bose and Prabhavati Devi.

Education

Being born into a well-to-do family, Netaji studied in some of the prestigious
schools and institutions of British India. In January 1902 at the age of five, he
was admitted into Stewart High School; Cuttack (then called the Protestant
European School). Ravenshaw Collegiate School in Cuttack and Presidency
College in Kolkata were some of the premier institutions where he joined in
furtherance of his education.

Clearing the Indian Civil Services (ICS)

In the year 1919, Netaji left for London to fulfill a promise that he had made to
his father, about preparing and getting selected for the Indian Civil Services
(ICS). Netaji got selected in the Indian Civil Services examination, yet resigned
from his job on 23rd April 1921 and headed back towards India.

Political Life

Since his teenage, Subhas Chandra Bose was deeply influenced by the teachings
and thoughts of Ramakrishna Paramhans and Swami Vivekananda. Netaji’s first
indication of nationalistic fervour was visible when he was expelled from the

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college for assaulting Professor Oaten, for the latter’s racial comments on Indian
students. Resigning from ICS, Bose came back to India and started a newspaper
“Swaraj” in West Bengal. He also took charge of publicity for the Bengal
Province Congress Committee.

One incident that inspired me about Subhas Chandra Bose was his decision to
resign from the Indian National Congress (INC) and form the Forward Bloc. This
political group sought to unite all anti-British forces in India.

Netaji was a vocal critic of the British government and advocated for more
aggressive action to achieve independence. However, his ideas were controversial
within the Congress Party, and he disagreed with the party's leadership. Despite
the potential consequences and risks, Netaji did not let fear hold him back and
took the bold step to form his political group. This demonstrated his
determination and conviction to fight for India's independence, regardless of the
challenges he faced. Netaji's decision to follow his principles and beliefs, even
when it meant going against the mainstream, is an inspiration to me and serves as
a reminder that one should always stand up for what one believes. Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose possessed several leadership qualities that continue to attract and
inspire me.

Courage and Fearlessness: Netaji's courage was legendary. He fearlessly

confronted challenges and adversities, even in the face of powerful adversaries.
His willingness to take bold risks, both in the political arena and on the battlefield,
inspires me to overcome my fears and take decisive actions for what I believe in.

Nationalistic Pride: Netaji's deep love for his country and his unwavering
commitment to its freedom evoke a sense of nationalistic pride. This encourages
me to contribute to the well-being and progression of my country.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's leadership qualities, including his other qualities
vision, charisma, resilience, inclusivity, strategic thinking, and passion for social
justice, continue to attract me and the younger generation. His legacy serves as a
source of inspiration for the younger generation, motivating them to become
proactive, purpose-driven leaders in their own right.