The Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), UoH, jointly organized a lecture on ‘Compassionate Leadership in the 21st Century’ on Tuesday, 16 September at the Zakir Hussain Lecture Hall Complex. The speaker, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, a former President (Sikyong) of the Central Tibetan Administration for two terms (2011-21), is a founding director of the 108 Peace Institute, Washington, D.C., USA. Currently, he is a senior visiting fellow at the East Asian Legal Studies Program, Harvard Law School. Professor Jyotirmaya Sharma introduced the speaker and chaired the lecture.

Dr. Sangay shared his extraordinary journey through several anecdotes about his early life in Darjeeling, academic pursuits, and political journey as the representative of the Tibetans, albeit head of the government in exile. Dwelling on his personal journey, he stressed how compassion becomes essential for an individual to lead the people generally, including the Tibetans around the world and those living in China. He stated that embracing challenges and criticisms is crucial for peace and positive change; similarly, forbearance and selfless service vis-à-vis the ethical positioning of the leadership.  The lecture chimed with the larger agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially on peace and positive development vis-à-vis state and institutions, especially in the changing geopolitical contestations in the region and beyond.

Likewise, another key highlight was on the Buddhist philosophy of “equanimity,” finding balance during adversities and heightened success, as an essential ingredient of leadership across political systems. The session inspired many thought-provoking questions from the audience, including questions on the The speaker also presented a book to the Department of Political Science. Dr. Bhim Subba, a lecture coordinator, thanked Prof. B. J. Rao, UoH Vice-chancellor, and the IQAC for their guidance and support, and other members of the audience. He also proposed exploring research collaborations and internship opportunities for UoH students with the 108 Peace Institute for meaningful engagement in the future.

Report prepared by Ms. Anjali R. Menon, MA II Year, Department of Political Science