'Believe in yourself': Delhi L-G tells IIM Rohtak students
Rohtak, June 27
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Saturday told young management students to first believe in themselves to become leaders who inspire trust.
Speaking at an event at IIM Rohtak, Sandhu said, "As Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji has remarked: 'To be a leader, you have to believe in yourself first, leadership is about clarity, of thought and communication, not about imposing authority'."
This insight is central to management education - leadership emerges from conviction, adaptability, and the ability to inspire trust, he said at the Institute's Inauguration and Orientation Programme 2026.
Pointing to the nation's growth story, Sandhu said that India's development trajectory creates distinctive responsibilities.
"We are simultaneously building infrastructure at scale, expanding digital systems, strengthening manufacturing, deepening financial inclusion, and responding to the aspirations of one of the world's youngest populations. In India, a managerial decision is rarely just a business choice; it can affect employment, social mobility, urbanisation, and public outcomes," said Sandhu.
The distinction between public and private domains is increasingly blurred - technology, healthcare, logistics, education, governance, and business intersect constantly. Institutions, therefore, need individuals who can think across sectors rather than within silos, he said.
Sandhu said management is no longer about technical solutions alone. It is about judgement - the ability to balance competing priorities, navigate uncertainty, and make decisions where efficiency and sustainability may not align.
"Judgement cannot be taught directly; it develops, through exposure, to complexity, engagement with diverse perspectives, and repeated encounters, with situations, where no obvious answer exists," he said.
Reaching out to the incoming students at the Institute, Sandhu said, "To the incoming students, I would say: use this period not only to prepare for a profession, but to expand the way you think."
He said that the next two years will move quickly. Use them to cultivate intellectual discipline, engage with complexity, and develop the ability to make decisions, without reducing every problem to immediate outcomes.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice to see leaders from the administration talking about "judgement" rather than just technical skills. So many of our corporate decisions affect employment and social mobility—this is a reality in India. But I hope these talks also translate into real policy changes for students from smaller towns. 🎓
Great perspective on leadership. The point about "clarity of thought and communication" is universal, not just for management students. As someone working in a tech firm with Indian colleagues, I see how true this is. India's growth is real, and the need for adaptable leaders is obvious. Well said, Mr. Sandhu.
I loved the part about "judgement develops through exposure to complexity." So true for our country where every decision is layered with public and private implications. But honestly, I wish more such talks would address the real challenges students face—like job market volatility and reservation debates. Still, a motivating start for new IIMites! ✨
While the message is encouraging, let's be honest: India's infrastructure and digital expansion are great, but we still face huge inequality. Telling students to "believe in yourself" is good, but maybe some practical guidance on navigating bureaucracy or funding startups would have been more useful. Still, good for motivation. 🤔
So nice to see an L-G actually engaging with students at a B-School. The idea that "a managerial decision can affect employment, social mobility, and public outcomes" is so important for young managers in India. We don't just run companies; we shape lives. Let's hope the
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