Hamal further added, "A true leader will represent people's aspirations. Leaders must remember that their followers are not following them but the cause that represents the followers. The moment the leader leaves that cause, s/he will be of no value to the people."The event conducted at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Kamal Pokhari last Monday, began with the screening of the second episode of 'Singha Durbar.' It's a Nepali television series where Asha Singh, played by Gauri Malla, becomes the first female Prime Minister of Nepal. So far five episodes of the soap have been aired in Nepal Television. The selection of its second episode was made since it provided an apt gateway for the panel discussion on positive leadership that followed the screening; for Asha is confronted with the difficulty of building her team in the coalition government. And despite the dilemma, she assertively chooses the right candidate for the right position without fearing the loss of her 'power.'
Referring to the series, another panelist Rajendra Mulmi, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, talked about the importance of embracing partnership despite having differences. "Through the soap, we attempted to show the importance of collaboration which seems to be lacking in Nepal. Thus, despite being different, one should be willing to work together because if we look at everyone with a competitive eye, we may lose each other eventually," he shared.
Mulmi also emphasized on the importance of 'letting go' in leadership. "There comes a time when a leader will have to let go," he said citing the example of Ramananda Jha in the TV series, who, despite being the party president, accepts the decision made by the new Prime Minister from the same party, although he isn't okay with it.
Reflecting on her experiences, actor Nisha Adhikari talked about taking the lead of her life. "Everyone is born a leader, and we shouldn't forget that. Positive leadership is about being open to changes, and not forgetting your dream. It was after realizing this that I decided to take the lead of my life by fulfilling my teenage dream of climbing Mt Everest," she shared.
Facilitated by banker Anil Shah, the panel also included motivational speaker, Saunak Bhatta; constitutional expert, Dr Bhimarjun Acharya and founding chairman of Open Space Nepal, Abdus Miya. Following the discussion the panel also entertained questions posed by the audiences.
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