Sunday, 18 January 2026
Saturday, 17 January 2026
Inspiration Drawn From The Leadership Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“There is something unique in this soil, which, despite many obstacles, has always remained the abode of great souls.” ―Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
I am incredibly excited to share with you that I received the 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of "Excellence in Youth Development” on October 31, 2016, which coincides with my birth anniversary. I received this award from Mr. Bimal Prasad Singh, the former Governor of Sikkim, in New Delhi, India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation gives away these awards annually to various achievers for their contributions. It is a great honor to receive this prestigious international award, as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of the leaders I admire the most.
This award is recognition of my services and contributions to youth development and youth empowerment. I started a nonprofit, Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders, to build one million students as global leaders, and I have trained more than 50,000 students as global leaders. URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.htmlI am passionate about developing students as global leaders, and I dedicate this award to global youth who are the real power and on whose shoulders the future of the world depends.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Profile
“In the history of this country, there has never been such consolidation as has been today. Indian history has shown in the past and, if we take a lesson from past history, then it is our duty to preserve and consolidate the hard-earned freedom for which many people have made tremendous sacrifices.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. He was a farmer by birth. He became a lawyer and freedom fighter and is revered as the ‘Iron Man of India.’ He is affectionately called Sardar (chief or leader in English) Vallabhbhai Patel in India. He rose from humble origins. Mahatma Gandhi was his mentor. He was a man of very few words and was firm in his convictions. He played a crucial role in India’s Independence along with other leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
I admire Sardar Patel for his exemplary leadership and willpower. As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he contributed greatly to India’s unity and integrity. His heroic role in integrating princely states to Indian Federation is commendable. He demonstrated his political brilliance by integrating the Hyderabad state (Nizam) through police action. He was a charismatic leader who could inspire people to join India’s freedom struggle. He demonstrated it many times, including the Kheda and Bardoli agitations. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He died on 15 December 1950. Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor, in 1991. The Indian Government began celebrating his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014.
Leadership Lessons from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
“Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
There are several leadership lessons to learn from him. Here are some of them:
Be Bold: He was a bold leader who did not hesitate to make tough decisions in pre-Independent and post-Independent India. He led from the front without any fear or favor. He was unconcerned about unhealthy criticism. He was courageous to integrate Hyderabad and Junagarh, whose leaders resisted joining India. He became a role model and inspiration for other freedom fighters in India for his courageous decisions.
Be Clear, Firm, and Determined: He was clear, firm, and determined without any wavering mind. He was a team leader and an amazing organization builder. He was decisive and believed in straightforward leadership.
Be a Decision-Maker: He was a decision-maker. He proved critics wrong who predicted that India would disintegrate soon after acquiring independence. He successfully integrated all princely Indian states into the Indian Union. He advocated Indian civil services strongly and stood firmly when there was severe criticism against it. Hence, he is also known as the "Patron saint of India's civil servants."
Be a Strategist: He was a great strategist with a strong vision to integrate India as one nation and as a strong nation. His vision and strategy laid the foundation stones for a strong and vibrant India. Additionally, he was a troubleshooter who showed the right direction to the nation after attaining independence. He is highly admired for accomplishing the integration of princely states in India.
Adopt Carrot and Stick Policy: He was a practical leader who bridged the gap between idealism and realism. He offered carrots to princely states to integrate them into the Indian Union. He adopted a stick policy for those who failed to fall in line.
Be an Effective Negotiator: He was a skillful negotiator who built consensus amongst the different castes and communities through trust and transparency. He could carry all sections of people with his persuasion and negotiation skills. Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, "Sardar Patel’s name will live forever in history. He is the Architect of Modern India. He was a wise counselor in the hour of trial, a trustworthy friend, and a mine of courage and inspiration."
Learn when to Hold and when to Fold: He knew when to hold and when to fold. Once he made a decision, he never looked back. He moved forward irrespective of the outcome. Most of his decisions were successful. He had the courage and conviction. That is why he is also known as the ‘Bismarck of India.’
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a unique freedom fighter who had the moral courage to oppose great leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, on ideological issues. Several nations failed to address their challenges when they acquired independence because they did not have leaders like Sardar Patel.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Indian history books did not give due attention and recognition to Sardar Patel for his contribution. They focused more on the achievements of Nehru, not Sardar Patel. Although Nehru’s contribution cannot be underestimated, Sardar’s contribution is equally relevant and significant, and he needs to be given due recognition and respect for his extraordinary contribution.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a phenomenal leader of India. His actions spoke louder than words. He was the most powerful man of his time. He is remembered for his political brilliance, sacrifices, and services. He was a great patriot and nationalist. His spirit is still alive, energizing and guiding India currently. We need more Sardar Patels to inspire Indian youth. Indian youth must learn lessons from Sardar Patel to work for national unity and integrity.
In spite of having ideological differences with Pundit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked with team spirit to ensure a smooth transition from the pre-independence to the post-independence era. We Indians are proud to have such a great nationalist and patriot. He was one of the tallest Indian freedom fighters who will be remembered forever for his contributions. We must emulate his ideas and ideals to build a secular, strong, and united India. Jai Hind!
“No distinctions of caste and creed should hamper us. All are the sons and daughters of India. We should all love our country and build our destiny on mutual love and help.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
How Did Hitler's Speaking Skills Help Him Come to Power?—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” —Adolf Hitler.
During the global lockdown on June 21, 2020, I watched the movie ‘Hitler—A Career’ on Netflix to understand Adolf Hitler’s strategy, leadership, and speaking style to share with my readers. The movie is a long compilation of documentary footage. I read his autobiography, Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”) when I served as a corporal in the Indian Air Force in 1988. I viewed some of his videos on speaking before I authored my award-winning book on public speaking titled ‘Secrets of Successful Public Speaking: How to Become a Great Speaker.’ URL: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
Adolf Hitler was a master strategist, a great orator, and an expert in the propagation of his ideals and ideas. He had suicidal tendencies when he was young. He served in the German army as a corporal. He exploited each crisis. He manipulated people with his rhetoric for his political and ideological ends. He was impatient and hungry for power. He was constantly on the move. He played double games. He made major decisions when he was in the mountains. He felt loneliness in the end.
Adolf Hitler—A Great Orator
“I know that men are won over less by the written than by the spoken word, that every great movement on this earth owes its growth to orators and not to great writers.” —Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
No leader is entirely good, and no leader is entirely bad. There is always something to learn, even from bad leaders. Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933. He was an energetic and inspiring speaker. He was a crowd captivator and knew how to mobilize masses. He talked about national pride and persuaded his people in the name of nationalism. He knew how to adapt to his audiences. He was an expert in body language and knew how to give pauses to enable his audiences to understand the essence and applaud. His content was crisp, and his communication was clear. He wrote his speeches and edited them several times to drive home his ideologies and messages. He rehearsed his prepared speeches, delivery, hand gestures, and body language. He included animation to convey his ideologies emphatically. He took feedback from his facial expressions, vocal expressions, and body expressions to improve his oratory. He perfected the art and craft of public speaking by emphasizing excellence. He created a unique brand by including in his speeches words such as “sword”, “fire”, and “blood”, and he relied on symbolism, with metaphors such as the eagle and swastika featuring heavily.
Emphasize Character, not Charisma
“Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have.” —Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was a charismatic and visionary leader with a vision of 1000 years for Germany. But he failed to accept the realities and refused to take feedback from his generals. At times, he made poor decisions, thus losing in World War II. As successes come in battalions, the failures also come in battalions. He enjoyed both successes and failures one after another. He was unable to reconcile the failures that came in battalions and finally committed suicide in 1945. He left behind a shameful legacy for his nation.
Greatness comes from character, not charisma. To conclude, emphasize the right means to achieve your ends. Emphasize humanity and serve global societies to leave your everlasting legacy.
"When you are in the light, everything will follow you. But when you enter the dark, even your own shadow will not follow you, that is life.” —Adolf Hitler.
References
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
https://www.amazon.in/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
https://www.amazon.com/Mein-Kampf/dp/0395925037
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfxi5os43M0
“He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” —Adolf Hitler
“Words build bridges into unexplored regions.” —Adolf Hitler
“Struggle is the father of all things. It is not by the principles of humanity that man lives or is able to preserve himself above the animal world, but solely by means of the most brutal struggle.” —Adolf Hitler
“To be a leader means to be able to move masses.” —Adolf Hitler
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee—A Remarkable Poet, Inspiring Patriot, and Visionary Politician—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“I dream of an India that is prosperous, strong, and caring. An India that regains a place of honor in the comity of great nations.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
I was deeply saddened over the demise of India’s former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I personally admire his humility. He was a great patriot, poet, and politician who was highly respected by all politicians, regardless of their political party affiliations. He lived by his principles and contributed his best to India's progress. I was very happy to see political leaders from all parties attending his funeral and expressing their condolences. It touched my heart, and I got a trigger to write a few kind words about Indian politicians. After writing a brief article, I wanted to find out what people think about our Indian politicians in search engines. I was not happy as I did not find much praise for our Indian politicians in search engines, except for a few past Indian leaders.
People are very cynical and pessimistic about our Indian politicians. I believe in the principle of taking the best from the worst. I strongly believe that no man is entirely good and no man is entirely bad. Every good politician, like Mahatma Gandhi, had some negative traits, and every bad politician, like Adolph Hitler, had some good traits. Hence, in this post, I would love to explain a few positive aspects of Indian politicians. I am sure that readers might not appreciate my way of looking at things. But I implore them to bear with my positive perspective about Indian politicians.
Greatness of Indian Politicians!
Indian politicians are better than their counterparts from other countries in a few aspects. They fight ideologically but respect other leaders personally. Although there is a strong feeling and impression that Indian politicians are corrupt and cunning, one thing that touches me is their ability to unite to ensure the unity and integrity of India and respect other leaders personally. That is the culture of India, and that is the greatness of India! Politicians from other countries must learn lessons from our Indian politicians and keep their political aspirations away from their personal relations. Jai Hind!
“Indian democracy's greatest strength is that we have always put the nation above politics.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“One day you may become an ex-prime minister, but you will never become an ex-poet!” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“Our nuclear weapons are meant purely as a deterrent against nuclear adventure by an adversary.” Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“Empowering the individual means empowering the nation. And empowerment is best served through rapid economic growth with rapid social change.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“You can change friends but not neighbors.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“We hope the world will act in the spirit of enlightened self-interest.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“Global interdependence today means that economic disasters in developing countries could create a backlash on developed countries.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
“I have a vision of India: an India free of hunger and fear, an India free of illiteracy and want.” —Atal Bihari Vajpayee
According to Theodore Roosevelt, “the most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice”.
“One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician’s objective. Election and power are” – Cal Thomas
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
Is a Statement of Purpose (SoP) more important than your CV and cover letter?—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
A Statement of Purpose (SoP) is all essaying about yourself and where you see yourself in the future professionally and personally. It contains all the information about your career goals, ambitions, and aspirations in a nutshell. Why do you want to pursue a specific higher course or research? Why do you want to join a specific educational institution, and what value will you add? Ideally, it should not be more than 2 pages. SoP is called by different names globally. For instance, it is known as Statement of Intent, Goals Statement, Letter of Intent, and so on.
SoP is all about what you are and where you want to reach, and what your areas of interests and why you want to acquire and hone those areas. It reflects your future career path. It is different from a CV, as a CV is a reflection of what you have achieved, while the SOP is all about how you want to achieve. Succinctly, SoP is a roadmap for your future.
SOP is needed especially for students pursuing higher education. It is the general practice to seek such a statement from the admission committee to have a fair idea about the potential candidate. It is also needed when someone wants to pursue a PhD and postdoctoral courses.
Advantages
SOP helps the prospective institution know about your areas of interest and passions. It appears like a CV but in a brief format and beyond a CV. It appears like a cover letter to your CV in a capsule format, but beyond a cover letter. CV presents your academic and work experience, and a cover letter provides the condensed content of your CV. Neither the CV nor the cover letter presents the goals and ambitions you have. Hence, SoP helps overcome where you want to see yourself in the future, going beyond both your CV and cover letter.
Tips
The admission committee looks for a crisp and clear presentation of information. It must be original and well-punched. State clearly what value you will add for yourself and the institution. A good SoP helps you stand out. Although your CV is not strong with an academic profile, the right SoP tips the scales in favor of admission. Here are the nuggets to craft a good SoP.
Do thorough research about the university you intend to join.
Be specific and clear in your approach.
Don’t make it like a cookie-cutter SoP.
Be crisp and clear.
Write in the active voice, preferably, and in simple language. Don’t show your strength in vocabulary.
Make it as brief as possible. If it is longer, the reader might lose interest in your content.
Get it proofread and edited by experts or friends to avoid any typographical errors.
Proofread the number of times to get the best SoP. If possible, read aloud your script to find out any inconsistencies.
The Bottom Line
Students must know and learn about the SoP and how to write it effectively to create a favorable impact on the admission committee. The researchers must be clear of their area of interest and approach the right institution and the faculty for pursuing their PhD or Post Doctoral Courses. To conclude, crafting a good SoP serves in introspecting yourself as well as in achieving your career success in a chosen institution and chosen area of interest. Good luck!
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
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