New Delhi, 02 July (H.S.): Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday interacted with 40 participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship, an initiative launched by Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Ajit Madhavrao Gopchade, at the Vice President's House. Addressing the participants, the Vice President said that true leadership is defined not by position, power or authority, but by service to society.

He urged young people to embody humility, integrity and compassion in their conduct and to fulfil their responsibilities towards society. He said a good leader is one who understands people's problems and works sincerely to resolve them.

Emphasising the importance of national unity and integrity, the Vice President said, India was one, India is one, and India will always remain one. He called upon the youth to rise above divisions based on region, language and caste, and to place the nation's interests above all else. He said India's cultural diversity is not a weakness but its greatest strength.

Referring to India's development journey, the Vice President recalled that the country faced severe food shortages during the 1960s but has today emerged as one of the world's largest exporters of food grains.

He encouraged young people to understand the struggles of previous generations and draw inspiration from them to contribute to the nation's continued progress.

Congratulating the 40 selected participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship, who were chosen from among more than 5,000 applicants, the Vice President said the programme connects young people with the real world beyond classrooms while enhancing their confidence and practical understanding.

He stressed that opportunities must be complemented by consistent hard work and merit. Encouraging the participants to dream big, he said that some of them could one day rise to occupy the country's highest constitutional offices.

The MP LEAD Fellowship is a two-month internship programme initiated by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ajit Madhavrao Gopchade. It aims to provide young people with practical exposure to governance, public policy and democratic processes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar