One of the fondest memory of my childhood as an eight-year-old girl, was singing on top of voice “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” by Bhimsen Joshi, as and when it came of Doordarshan or Vivid Bharti Radio station. At that age we all are so wide-eyed and full of enthusiasm, soaking in everything the world had to offer. This song wasn’t just a song to me; it was an experience, a feeling of pure joy and unity.

It was like learning the most difficult notes and matching the voice of Bhimsen Joshi and other singers in so many languages, was the most exciting part. Back then, I didn’t know the meaning of the song. All I knew was that it made me happy. It made me feel connected to something bigger than myself. Today, as I reflect on my life, my choices, and my values, I realize that this song, learned at such a young age, was an early indicator of the person I would become. It shaped my thoughts, my leadership style, and my approach to life in ways I never imagined.

The Essence of the Song and Its Impact on Me

“Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, Toh Sur Bane Hamara” – these words, though simple, carry a profound meaning. They talk about unity, collaboration, and harmony. As a child, I sang them with innocence, but as an adult, I live by them with purpose.

The song teaches us that individual voices, when combined, create something truly beautiful. It’s not about one voice overpowering another, but about blending differences to form a collective melody. Isn’t that what leadership is about? True leaders don’t impose their will; they bring people together. They respect diverse perspectives and create an environment where everyone contributes to a shared vision.

The Leadership Lessons Hidden in the Lyrics

1. Unity in Diversity: Leadership Through Inclusion

As a child, the song’s visual portrayal captivated me. Individuals from many vocations, cultures, and languages joined together to sing in unison. The message was clear: we are one despite our differences.

In my current role as a leader, I observe the same idea in action. Accepting variety is essential to becoming a great leader, whether in interpersonal or professional contexts. It’s about establishing a welcoming atmosphere where many viewpoints are not just accepted but also honoured. A team is stronger, more creative, and more resilient when a leader encourages unity among disparate individuals.

2. Collaboration Over Competition

The song wasn’t about individual performances; it was about collaboration. It taught me that greatness is achieved when people work together rather than against each other. In my journey, I have realized that the best decisions are made when ideas are shared and refined through collective effort.

In today’s fast-paced world, competition often takes center stage. But real progress happens when we move beyond individual ambitions and work towards a common goal. Whether in business, social endeavors, or even friendships, cooperation always leads to better outcomes than competition.

3. The Power of a Shared Vision

The song carries an inherent message of a shared dream—a united India, a harmonious society. It instilled in me the importance of having a vision that is bigger than oneself. A leader is someone who can inspire others to believe in a shared vision and work towards it with dedication.

Throughout my life, I have seen the power of a well-articulated vision. Whether in my career choices or personal decisions, I have always gravitated toward missions that align with my core values of unity, harmony, and collective progress. When people believe in a vision, they are willing to go the extra mile to turn it into reality.

4. Emotional Connection: Leading with Empathy

One of the reasons this song resonated so deeply with me as a child was its emotional pull. It wasn’t just about words and music—it was about feeling. Leadership, I have learned, is much the same. The best leaders are not just intellectually competent; they connect with people on an emotional level.

Empathy has played a crucial role in my personal and professional life. Whether making decisions that impact others or navigating challenges, understanding and valuing people’s emotions has always helped me build strong, meaningful relationships. A leader who listens with empathy and acts with compassion earns trust and loyalty, making collaboration much more effective.

5. The Ripple Effect of Small Actions

When I sang “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” as a child, I never imagined it would leave such a lasting impact on my personality. But looking back, I see how those simple lyrics influenced my values. The lesson? Small actions, no matter how insignificant they seem, can have long-term effects.

As a leader, I believe in the power of small actions. A kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of encouragement can create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. Just like the song, which brought together voices from across the country to create something beautiful, small, consistent efforts can lead to significant positive change over time.

Today, I believe in:

• Bringing people together, not dividing them
• Emphasizing collaboration over competition
• Creating and inspiring a shared vision
• Leading with empathy and emotional intelligence
• Recognizing the long-term impact of small, meaningful actions

Each of us has a childhood memory that subtly shaped who we are. Sometimes, all it takes is a little reflection to recognize the deep-rooted influences of our early experiences. For me, it was a song—a song that taught me unity, leadership, and purpose long before I knew what those words truly meant.

“WHAT IS THAT FOR YOU?” Do Share…