VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Patna erupts after fatal bus accident; angry mob torches vehicles, storms police post New York Shooting: Video: 2 injured after gunman opens fire near New York subway station | World News Updated: Aug 07, 2026, 18:32 IST India’s day out in Colombo: Shubman Gill sidelined by injury as bowlers find rhythm after sluggish start ‘My Internship CTC Is Rs 40 Lakh a Month’: Student claims to secure one of India’s highest-paying HFT offers in viral social media post Inside Kunal Kemmu’s family mansion in Kashmir: Karishma Kemmu revisits ancestral home featuring carved woodwork, stone walls, baithak and cherished memories decades after family was forced to leave Kajal Aggarwal Parenting Tips: ‘Learn to Wait’: Kajal Aggarwal’s simple parenting rule for her 4-year-old is the wake-up call every Indian parent needs right now Jai Moondra: The Tonk boy who chased a degree and found international cricket in Ireland Scientists aboard RRS Sir David Attenborough watched a 1km-wide, 100m-thick section of Greenland’s Sorgenfri glacier break away, weighing an estimated 18 million tonnes Evening news wrap: CBI alleges NTA’s subject experts involved in leak, India dismissed a US lawmaker’s criticism of the FCRA Bill as an internal matter, and more CBI chargesheet alleges NTA experts leaked NEET-UG 2026 papers for cash in a multi-state conspiracy.MEA rejected US criticism of FCRA Bill as an internal matter for Parliament to decide.Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a mutual defence pact; India says it is ‘closely following’ it.PM Modi advised 45 NDA MPs to avoid the ‘Lutyens web’ and not carry House anxiety outside.Sukhbir Badal’s meeting with PM Modi sparked buzz over a possible BJP-SAD reunion ahead of Punjab polls.Here are the top 5 stories of the dayCBI chargesheet exposes NTA experts’ role in NEET-UG paper leak for moneyThe CBI has chargesheeted 13 accused, including three NTA subject experts, for allegedly leaking NEET-UG 2026 question papers in a well-coordinated multi-state conspiracy in exchange for large sums of money. The agency said its investigation uncovered a supply chain linking the experts to middlemen and coaching operators who distributed the leaked papers through messaging apps days before the exam. Read full story.India rejects US lawmaker’s FCRA criticism, says Parliament will decideIndia rejected criticism by a US lawmaker over the proposed FCRA amendments, saying the issue is an internal matter on which Parliament will take a decision. The remarks came after US Congressman Riley Moore called the bill “a clear attack against Christians” and warned it could affect bilateral ties. Read full story.Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Turkey sign ‘Mecca’ pact for mutual defence; India reactsSaudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a trilateral defence agreement on Friday, stating that an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all. India’s MEA said it is “closely following” the development. Read full story.PM Modi tells NDA MPs: Avoid ‘Lutyens web’, stay calm in ParliamentPM Modi met 45 newly elected and first-time NDA MPs at a breakfast meeting on Friday, advising them to “not carry the anxiety from inside the House to outside” and avoid the “web of Lutyens’ Delhi.” Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also told them to maintain dignity, avoid shouting in anger, and engage actively on social media. Read full story.Badal-Modi meeting reignites talk of BJP-SAD reunion in PunjabSAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met PM Modi in Parliament on Friday, sparking fresh buzz over a possible BJP-SAD reunion ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year. The two parties, allies for over two decades, parted ways in 2020 over the Centre’s three farm laws. Read full story.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0’ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast123Photostories7 traditional Goan breads you need to try at least onceTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually work123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case SBI Clerk recruitment 2026: Registration for 1,538 backlog vacancies begins; direct link to apply here Jackie Shroff joins Salman Khan and Nayanthara in Vamshi Paidipally film, but he’s not the villain as Rahul Dev and others play antagonists 5 simple ways to turn leftover chapati into delicious snacks | ‘Do not endorse anything said’: MEA rejects Bangladesh’s charge over Hasina’s presser New Jersey police officer disguised as a roadside tree helped catch 74 distracted drivers in just six hours ASHA workers and Anganwadi didis have become the face of governance (PTI images) Where India’s development beginsIt is barely eight in the morning when Vimla Kumari begins what has become a familiar routine. Her household chores are complete, breakfast has been served, and her children have left for school. Slinging a cloth bag over her shoulder, she steps out carrying a register, health records and a mobile phone. Before the day ends, she may escort a pregnant woman to a health centre, convince hesitant parents to vaccinate their child, distribute iron tablets, identify a malnourished infant or accompany a woman in labour to a hospital several kilometres away.Across another village, Shyama Devi unlocks the Anganwadi centre long before children begin arriving. She sweeps the premises, arranges books and learning materials, checks food supplies and prepares for another day of songs, storytelling, nutrition counselling and growth monitoring. By afternoon, she will have weighed children, counselled mothers on breastfeeding, updated registers and coordinated with ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) to ensure that health and nutrition services reach every eligible beneficiary.One works from homes scattered across villages, the other from a modest community centre. Together, they represent the most visible face of governance in rural India. For millions of Indians, the first interaction with the state does not happen at a district office or a government hospital. It begins with an ASHA worker knocking on a door or an Anganwadi didi welcoming a child into her centre.Over the past decade, as India’s development strategy has increasingly shifted from women’s welfare to women-led development, these frontline workers have become the bridge connecting ambitious government programmes with the country’s most remote households. Beyond healthcare and nutrition, they are changing behaviour, creating awareness and ensuring that welfare schemes reach those who need them the most. Their work rarely attracts national attention, yet it quietly shapes healthier mothers, better-nourished children and stronger rural communities.The first face of healthcareWhen public discussions focus on India’s healthcare system, hospitals, doctors and medical technology often dominate the conversation. Yet in rural India, healthcare frequently begins much earlier, inside village homes.ASHA workers are usually the first to know when a woman becomes pregnant, when a newborn misses an immunisation schedule or when an elderly resident requires medical attention. They identify health risks early, encourage institutional deliveries, counsel mothers on nutrition and breastfeeding, monitor children and connect families with government health services. For many villagers, they are not merely health workers but trusted advisers whose guidance often carries more weight than official campaigns.For Vimla Kumari, an ASHA worker from rural Madhya Pradesh, the day starts long before she officially begins work.”My day begins around five in the morning. Before stepping out, I finish cooking for my family, prepare breakfast and make sure my children leave for school. By around eight, I begin visiting homes with my register, health records and mobile phone. Every day is different. Some days I accompany pregnant women to the nearest health centre for antenatal check-ups, while on others I ensure newborn babies and young children receive their routine vaccinations. I also visit families to explain why institutional deliveries, breastfeeding, proper nutrition and immunisation are so important.”From maternal health to child nutrition, the women transforming village lifeHer work, however, extends far beyond scheduled visits.”A large part of my work is counselling. Sometimes people hesitate to get vaccinated or are influenced by rumours. It often takes several visits and patient conversations to convince them. During emergencies, especially when a woman goes into labour at night, I help arrange transport and accompany her to the hospital. There have been times when I have travelled several kilometres on foot because vehicles were unavailable. We also identify children suffering from malnutrition, monitor high-risk pregnancies, distribute iron and folic acid tablets, promote sanitation and hygiene, and encourage families to use government health services.”Besides spending most of the day in the field, ASHA workers maintain detailed records, attend review meetings and coordinate with Anganwadi workers and ANMs to ensure beneficiaries are not missed.”Besides field visits, we maintain detailed records, attend review meetings and coordinate with Anganwadi workers and ANMs. The paperwork is just as important as the fieldwork because every beneficiary has to be tracked carefully. The work can be physically demanding, especially during the summer or monsoon, but when I see a healthy newborn, a fully immunised child or a mother who safely delivers her baby, I feel proud. For many families, we are the first point of contact with the healthcare system. Knowing that my work contributes to healthier mothers and children gives me the motivation to begin again every morning.”Her experience mirrors the responsibilities assigned to more than a million ASHA workers across the country. Research published in the European Economic Letters notes that ASHA workers have evolved well beyond their original role as community health volunteers. They now act as grassroots leaders who bridge the gap between formal healthcare systems and rural communities by promoting maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention and public awareness. The study also found that a larger frontline workforce is associated with better beneficiary coverage, underlining the importance of these women in delivering equitable healthcare.More than an Anganwadi centreIf ASHA workers carry healthcare into villages, Anganwadi centres often become the first institution that shapes a child’s future.To many outsiders, an Anganwadi may appear to be a small government-run childcare centre. In reality, it performs several roles at once. It serves as a preschool, a nutrition centre, a counselling space for mothers and a focal point for community health programmes. Children receive supplementary nutrition, learn through stories and play, while mothers seek guidance on childcare, breastfeeding and healthy diets.For Shyama Devi, an Anganwadi worker from rural Madhya Pradesh, every working day begins before the first child arrives.”I am Shyama Devi, and I work as an Anganwadi worker in a village in Madhya Pradesh. My day starts early because the Anganwadi centre has to be ready before the children arrive. After finishing my household responsibilities, I reach the centre to clean the premises, arrange learning materials and supervise the preparation of nutritious meals. As children begin to arrive, we welcome them, help them settle down and engage them in activities such as storytelling, songs, drawing, counting and simple games that support their early learning and development.”Inside the daily lives of the women connecting villages with government servicesHer responsibilities continue well beyond classroom activities.”Throughout the day, we monitor every child’s growth by checking their height and weight and identifying those who may be undernourished. We provide supplementary nutrition and maintain detailed records for every beneficiary. Pregnant women and lactating mothers also visit the centre, where we counsel them on balanced diets, breastfeeding, complementary feeding and child care. We regularly organise Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day activities in coordination with the ASHA worker and the ANM, ensuring that health and nutrition services reach everyone who needs them.”The work does not end when the children return home.”Our work is not limited to the centre. We conduct home visits to families whose children are absent for several days, follow up with severely malnourished children and encourage parents to send their children regularly. We also support government campaigns related to nutrition, immunisation and maternal health. Every day involves maintaining registers, updating beneficiary records and submitting reports. By the time I return home in the evening, I am often tired, yet I feel satisfied because I know our efforts make a real difference. When I see children becoming healthier, more active and confident, or when mothers tell me they have adopted healthier practices after our counselling sessions, it reminds me why this work matters. An Anganwadi centre is much more than a place where meals are served. It is where the foundation for a child’s health, nutrition and learning begins.”Her experience reflects how the Anganwadi ecosystem has evolved over the years. Under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, more than 1.03 lakh Anganwadi centres have been upgraded with improved infrastructure and smart learning tools, while over 10.58 lakh Anganwadi workers have received training in nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education. The initiative combines supplementary nutrition, preschool education and maternal counselling, recognising that the earliest years of a child’s life are critical to long-term health and learning outcomes.Where policy meets peopleThe success of India’s welfare programmes often depends less on policy announcements than on whether eligible families actually receive their benefits.Whether the objective is improving maternal health, reducing malnutrition or increasing institutional deliveries, someone has to identify beneficiaries, explain eligibility, complete documentation, encourage participation and follow up regularly. In villages across India, that responsibility usually falls on ASHA workers and Anganwadi didis.The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) illustrates this relationship. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible pregnant and lactating women linked to antenatal care and immunisation milestones. Since its launch, more than 4.92 crore women have enrolled, over 4.28 crore have received payments and more than ₹20,150 crore has been disbursed.Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan has enabled more than 7.4 crore pregnant women to receive antenatal check-ups while identifying over one crore high-risk pregnancies for specialised monitoring. During this period, India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio declined from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-15 to 88 between 2021 and 2023.Hospitals may provide treatment, but it is these frontline workers who ensure women reach those hospitals in time, remain connected to the healthcare system throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and receive the support they need at every stageChanging behaviour, one conversation at a timeThe greatest contribution of ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers often cannot be measured through government dashboards or official reports. Their real impact lies in changing behaviour.A mother chooses institutional delivery instead of giving birth at home. Parents ensure their child completes the immunisation schedule. Families begin serving more nutritious meals. Pregnant women attend regular antenatal check-ups. Adolescent girls receive guidance on menstrual hygiene and nutrition. These changes rarely happen because of a government advertisement alone. They are built through repeated conversations inside village homes, patient counselling and years of trust between frontline workers and their communities.For workers like Vimla Kumari, this trust is earned one family at a time.”A large part of my work is counselling. Sometimes people hesitate to get vaccinated or are influenced by rumours. It often takes several visits and patient conversations to convince them. During emergencies, especially when a woman goes into labour at night, I help arrange transport and accompany her to the hospital. There have been times when I have travelled several kilometres on foot because vehicles were unavailable.”It is this constant engagement that transforms government schemes from policy announcements into real outcomes for rural families.Building healthier beginningsThe first 1,000 days of a child’s life are widely recognised as the most critical period for physical and cognitive development. Across India, Anganwadi centres have become the foundation of that effort.Through Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the government has integrated supplementary nutrition, preschool education and maternal counselling under one umbrella. More than 1.03 lakh Anganwadi centres have been upgraded with improved infrastructure and learning tools, while over 10.58 lakh Anganwadi workers have been trained in nutrition and Early Childhood Care and Education. The programme also promotes dietary diversity, early identification of malnutrition and play-based learning through the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative.The women taking healthcare, nutrition and welfare to rural IndiaFor Shyama Devi, these programmes simply formalise what she has been doing every day.”Throughout the day, we monitor every child’s growth by checking their height and weight and identifying those who may be undernourished. We provide supplementary nutrition and maintain detailed records for every beneficiary. Pregnant women and lactating mothers also visit the centre, where we counsel them on balanced diets, breastfeeding, complementary feeding and child care.”The impact extends far beyond nutrition. Anganwadi centres are increasingly becoming a child’s first classroom, introducing basic literacy, numeracy, communication and social skills long before formal schooling begins.Preventing illness before it beginsPreventive healthcare has always been at the heart of the ASHA programme. Rather than waiting for illness to occur, ASHA workers spend much of their time identifying beneficiaries, raising awareness, encouraging timely treatment and ensuring families remain connected with government health services.One of the biggest examples is Mission Indradhanush, which has strengthened immunisation coverage through digital tracking on the U-WIN platform. By March 2026, more than 11.87 crore children and 3.96 crore pregnant women had been registered. More than 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women had received vaccinations, while over 8.73 crore women had also been screened for cervical cancer.Behind every vaccination record lies hours of fieldwork.ASHA workers identify eligible children, remind parents about vaccination schedules, address misinformation and ensure that those living in remote villages are not left behind. Their work is often invisible precisely because its greatest success lies in preventing illness before it occurs.Beyond healthcare: Women leading developmentThe responsibilities of ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers today extend well beyond healthcare and nutrition. Increasingly, they have become the first point of contact for women seeking information about welfare schemes, financial inclusion and livelihood opportunities.Whether it is encouraging a pregnant woman to register for maternity benefits, helping a mother understand nutrition requirements or spreading awareness about sanitation, education and banking services, they are carrying governance to the country’s last mile.This reflects the government’s broader vision of women-led development, where women are seen not merely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes but as participants in economic growth, leadership and community development.That transformation is also visible through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), now one of the world’s largest women-led livelihood programmes. Operating across more than 7,600 blocks, it has built a network of 1.51 crore community cadre members. Women’s Self Help Groups have collectively accessed more than ₹12.18 lakh crore in bank credit, supported by over 50,000 Bank Sakhis who help women access banking services in villages.Building on this network is the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to help women achieve annual incomes exceeding ₹1 lakh through sustainable livelihood activities. Today, the programme spans 34 States and Union Territories, 757 districts, nearly six lakh villages and more than 93 lakh Self Help Groups, involving over 10 crore women. While ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers may not directly implement these programmes, they are often the first to inform rural women that such opportunities exist.Leadership built on trustUnlike elected representatives or government officials, ASHA workers and Anganwadi didis derive their authority not from administrative power but from familiarity and trust.They know which child has missed a vaccination, which family requires nutrition support, which pregnant woman needs urgent medical attention and which elderly resident lives alone. Years of repeated interaction transform them into trusted advisers rather than simply government workers.Academic research increasingly supports this reality. A study published in the European Economic Letters describes ASHA workers as grassroots leaders who strengthen community engagement and improve access to healthcare. It found a strong positive relationship between the availability of frontline workers and beneficiary coverage, suggesting that expanding this workforce directly improves equitable healthcare delivery.The challenges behind the commitmentDespite their expanding responsibilities, frontline workers continue to face significant challenges.Studies point to delayed incentives, inadequate remuneration, heavy workloads and limited job security. Many workers travel long distances on foot, often without access to drinking water or toilets during field visits. Research has also documented instances of emotional and physical violence faced by ASHA workers while carrying out their duties.Yet, for women like Vimla Kumari and Shyama Devi, the rewards often outweigh the hardships.”The work can be physically demanding, especially during the summer or monsoon, but when I see a healthy newborn, a fully immunised child or a mother who safely delivers her baby, I feel proud. For many families, we are the first point of contact with the healthcare system.” – Vimla Kumari”By the time I return home in the evening, I am often tired, yet I feel satisfied because I know our efforts make a real difference. An Anganwadi centre is much more than a place where meals are served. It is where the foundation for a child’s health, nutrition and learning begins.” – Shyama DeviThe foundation of Viksit BharatIndia’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047 rests not only on economic growth but also on healthier mothers, well-nourished children and empowered women. Those outcomes are built not only through policies announced in New Delhi but also through countless conversations held inside village homes.The ASHA worker persuading a family to choose institutional delivery.The Anganwadi didi teaching preschool children through songs and stories.The counsellor explaining balanced nutrition to a first-time mother.The community leader encouraging women to access welfare schemes and livelihood opportunities.Together, these women represent one of India’s largest grassroots public service networks. They ensure that healthcare, nutrition, education and welfare reach communities that formal institutions alone cannot always access.Their work rarely makes headlines. Yet it is reflected in declining maternal mortality, expanding immunisation coverage, stronger early childhood development and growing participation of women in public life.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor millions of rural families, governance does not arrive through policy documents or speeches. It arrives with a familiar knock on the door.More often than not, that knock comes from an ASHA worker or an Anganwadi didi carrying not just a register or a weighing scale, but the promise that development can truly reach India’s last mile.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement Demand123Photostories7 traditional Goan breads you need to try at least onceTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually work123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case MacKenzie Scott gave Native Forward $50 million; it will spend $10 million on scholarships and place $40 million in a permanent endowment Aishwarya Rai, Trisha to Nayanthara: Saree looks that defined iconic South cinema characters, from royal Kanjeevarams to simple cotton sarees Monsoon gadget care: 6 practical ways to protect Wi-Fi routers and electronics from moisture | Minnesota retiree Dale Hoffman took his new rod on its first trip; when it nearly flew from the boat, he grabbed it and landed a 2.21-pound state-record bluegill Archaeologists uncover ancient Roman structure near the Colosseum with mosaics resembling firefighters’ barracks | World News CJP reacts to HC hearing on Jantar Mantar as the protest venue site NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das on Friday defended Jantar Mantar as Delhi’s key protest venue after the Delhi HC questioned whether demonstrations should continue in the heart of the capital.In a post on X, Das wrote, “HANDS OFF our Jantar Mantar!” He alleged that after public protests were no longer allowed at India Gate, any move to shift demonstrations away from Jantar Mantar would curtail citizens’ democratic rights.”Before trying to take away our protest site, tell us if you will designate the India Gate where we can exercise our fundamental right to peacefully protest. You took away the India Gate. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWe will not tolerate taking away of OUR Jantar Mantar too!” he said.’Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily’: Delhi HCDas’s remarks came after Justice Amit Mahajan, while hearing a petition seeking permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar, orally observed that protests should not inconvenience the city and asked, “Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily?”The court directed Delhi Police to decide the petitioner’s request by Saturday but did not order whether permission should be granted or denied.The issue of whether Jantar Mantar should remain Delhi’s designated protest site is also pending before the Supreme Court, which is examining a plea seeking an alternative venue for demonstrations in the national capital.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement Demand123Photostories7 traditional Goan breads you need to try at least onceTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? 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Decades later, American crocodiles turned them into a home | World News Manoj Pant maps out Uttarakhand’s development roadmap to 2047 Uttarakhand Forward 2.0 is the second edition of The Times of India’s flagship video series spotlighting the state’s journey of growth, innovation and transformative governance. Through exclusive conversations with policymakers, administrators, industry leaders, educationists and experts, the series explores the ideas, initiatives and vision shaping Uttarakhand’s future across infrastructure, clean energy, education, tourism, sustainability and more. The campaign highlights the policies driving progress, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the roadmap for the state’s next phase of development.In this episode of Uttarakhand 2.0, Richa Jain Kalra is in conversation with Dr Manoj Kumar Pant, Director, Department of Planning, Government of Uttarakhand, about the state’s long-term vision. From migration and rural development to climate resilience, digital connectivity and infrastructure, the conversation explores how today’s decisions will shape Uttarakhand’s future for generations to come. As India moves towards the centenary of its independence in 2047, the discussion examines what it will take for Uttarakhand to emerge as a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready state over the next two decades.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMr. Pant outlined a long-term development vision centred on climate resilience, sustainable growth and creating more opportunities in Uttarakhand’s hill and rural regions. “In all our future planning, we will have to put climate at the centre of the discussion,” he said. The conversation also explored migration, education, connectivity and the need to create livelihoods closer to home. “People migrate, but it should not be distress migration,” Pant said. Looking ahead, he highlighted the possibilities that better connectivity and technology could create for the hills, with Vision 2047 incorporating the idea of “work from the hills, work from home, work from the mountains.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Updated: Aug 07, 2026, 17:11 IST UPSC Topic Explained: What is the International Criminal Court, and why did Venezuela leave it? ‘We put everything in the first three films, now we need a great story’: Anees Bazmee breaks silence on ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4’ delay, heaps praise on ‘good friend’ Kartik Aaryan Butterflies are changing where they live across the planet, with climate and extreme weather driving most documented shifts Ink thrown at AISA president Neha Bora during Jharkhand students’ protest Scientists discover Titan’s methane rainstorms are far more intense than expected, reshaping Saturn’s largest moon On August ‌3, FSSAI said products sold ​on Dabur’s website were likely to mislead consumers. NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court Friday granted interim relief to Dabur India against food safety regulator’s decision that prohibited the FMGC brand from labelling its food product “100%” on multiple parameters, the company told news agency Reuters.On August ‌3, the Food Safety and Standards ⁠Authority of India (FSSAI) said products sold on Dabur’s website claimed some of its products were “100% Natural”, “100% Pure” and “100% Organic”, which were ambiguous, unverifiable ‌and likely to mislead consumers.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Dabur India Thursday approached the high court challenging the FSSAI’s directive to the food companies from using claims such as “100% Pure or natural” on product packaging and labels.Dabur was the latest company to take FSSAI to court, after certain liquor companies contested the regulator recently, arguing their product labels comply with current Indian legal frameworks. The FSSAI said recently that the companies including – United Spirits and Associated Alcohol & Breweries, are adding flavours that mimic a product’s natural profile.The company’s petition came amid intensifying scrutiny by the regulator on labelling and advertising claims across the FMCG sector.Earlier, Dabur had said it was exploring legal recourse against the FSSAI order, but had complied and removed the “100%” claims on the packaging labels of its products.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t know123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case SSC JHT admit card 2026 released for PST at sscer.org: Direct link to download hall tickets here Tamil Nadu CM Vijay gets relief as estranged wife Sangeetha withdraws divorce petition in Chengalpattu court after a 15 minute hearing – Report How to make leftover curry last longer: 4 simple storage habits and 3 mistakes to avoid | Palmistry Today, 07 August, 2026: Beyond palm lines-How the natural color of your palm can reveal your mood, confidence levels, and hidden personality traits Kolkata real estate: 60% of stalled projects may get clearance within days | After losing his beloved dog, this Ohio man spent more than 13 years adopting senior dogs no one else wanted and giving them a loving home | World News NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Friday rejected criticism of India’s foreign funding law, saying the issue is an internal matter on which Parliament will take a decision.During a bi-weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several countries, including the United States, regulate foreign funds and foreign financing.”Regarding the issue you are referring to, we have seen it, and several comments have been made on it. As far as legislative matters are concerned, and particularly matters relating to India’s own legislation, this is an internal matter for us, on which our Parliament takes the decision,” Jaiswal said.”I would also like to tell you that there are several countries in the world, including the United States, that regulate foreign funds and foreign financing,” he added.The remarks came days after a US lawmaker criticised the proposed amendments to India’s foreign funding law, alleging they could allow the government to take over churches and religious charities and warning that the issue could affect India-US ties.US Congressman Riley Moore said the proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amounted to “a clear attack against Christians” and urged India not to proceed with the legislation in its current form.In a post on X, the Republican Congressman from West Virginia said Christianity had a long history in India dating back to the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle on the Malabar Coast.”But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities,” Moore wrote.”This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India,” he added.The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes the creation of a Designated Authority to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using such funds if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or lapses after not being renewed.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Bill specifies that where such assets include a place of worship, the Designated Authority must ensure its religious character is preserved.It also proposes reducing the maximum punishment for violations of the Act from five years’ imprisonment to one year.The FCRA regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by NGOs, charitable trusts, educational institutions, religious bodies and other associations. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received foreign contributions worth Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.Government data shows that as of July 15, 2026, there were 14,449 active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 had been cancelled and another 15,212 had expired.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and moreNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t know123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Agra University Result 2026 declared for UG and PG courses: Direct link to download scorecards here ‘Dunki’ actor Vikram Kochhar reveals he still sends Shah Rukh Khan birthday wishes ‘via his manager’: ‘It’s natural for him to forget people, but he hasn’t forgotten me’ Should garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters Hollywood’s story can have a happy ending only when …, says Paramount CEO David Ellison in open letter on Warner Bros deal Japanese quote of the day: ‘If you are in a rush, take the longer way’ Former Nestle CMD Suresh Narayanan in his new book, ‘Courage Under Fire’, writes that in a crisis people follow those they trust. For over four decades, Suresh Narayanan has navigated boardrooms, brand battles and one of India Inc’s defining crises. In ‘Courage Under Fire’ (Penguin Random House India), the former Nestlé India chairman and managing director looks beyond business strategy to explore what truly shapes leadership. In an exclusive chat with Lopamudra Ghatak, he argues that clarity matters more than charisma, challenges India’s obsession with pedigree that’s causing companies to overlook leadership potential, and reflects candidly on the lessons of the Maggi crisis. He also explains why Gen Z’s approach to work-life balance deserves respect rather than ridicule, and recalls how a woman boss taught him that empathy is one of the key traits to being a good leader.Congratulations on your book. How did the idea to write ‘Courage Under Fire’ come to you?After a 40-year career in corporate India, I wanted to leave behind a few lessons that had served me well. They’re not prescriptions, but perspectives shaped by the crises and difficult moments I have experienced.’Courage Under Fire’ is more of a personal journey through those defining moments – that focuses on people, purpose, partnerships, values, behaviour and outcomes. I thought it would be of some use to a younger generation entering the workforce.In ‘Courage Under Fire’ you write that “great leadership is not about position; it’s about responsibility, authenticity, and the ability to inspire trust, when it matters”. In an increasingly trust-deficit and information-surplus world, how does a leader earn trust? And how does an organisation make trust a part of its DNA?I think you’ve hit the nail on the head! Trust is the most valuable currency – for an individual as much as for an organisation. It emerges when three streams converge at one point in time.The first is purpose. Every organisation, and every individual, needs a clear sense of purpose, something that guides decisions and actions.The second is values. What do you want to be known for? What principles define how you conduct yourself, especially in adverse situations?Purpose and values, in turn, lead to the third element: authenticity. Unfortunately, in today’s digital world, authenticity often gives way to performance. We spend too much time embellishing, instead of being genuine.’Performative’ is the word that’s often used today …Correct. Leadership isn’t about saying what you’ll do, it’s about doing what you say. That’s the dilemma many leaders face. Do they wear a mukhota (mask) that projects one image while concealing another?In order to establish trust among people, there has to be a convergence between purpose, values and authenticity, and that leads to outcomes. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is built when purpose, values and authenticity consistently translate into action. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is the real currency of leadership.(Image generated by AI)I’ve also come to see vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. When people know you’re human, that you have strengths as well as limitations, they know what to expect from you. Predictability in values and behaviour is reassuring. What people fear most is unpredictability.Ultimately, trust isn’t about being the most liked person in the room. In a crisis, organisations don’t rely on the most loved people; they rely on the most trusted ones. If I’m liked but not trusted, I won’t be asked to lead when it matters. Trust, more than popularity, is what carries an organisation through difficult times.This bring me to my next question: Can leadership be taught, or is it something people are simply born with?Leadership, for long, has suffered from some myths. The first is the myth of charisma – that great leaders must have magnetic personalities. The second is that complex communication (by leadership) is somehow superior. The third is executive presence: the belief that a leader must be a larger-than-life figure at any gathering and dominate every room they enter. And the fourth is the idea that leaders should only display their strengths while hiding every flaw, angularities.I don’t subscribe to any of those myths. Leadership can absolutely be taught because, at its core, leadership is an act of being human.You don’t have to be charismatic; you have to be clear. You don’t have to be complex; you have to be transparent in your communication. You don’t need the loudest voice or the most commanding presence. Some of history’s greatest political and business leaders inspired people far beyond the reach of their voices.But leadership doesn’t develop in isolation. It blooms through the right mentors, timely nudges and experiences. Looking back, I benefited from teachers, parents, colleagues, relatives and even competitors who pushed me to exceed my own expectations. Those influences gradually built confidence, not just the confidence to lead others, but the confidence to manage myself first.Nestle India CMD Suresh Narayanan (File photo)That’s an interesting point about the ‘charisma myth’ that surrounds leadership. You mention in the book about visiting Tier-2 and Tier3- colleges, and how students there are often more grateful, hungry and eager to learn. Do you think they make better leaders? One thing we need to do as a society is demystify elitism. We place far too much value on where someone studied, where they work, the company they built or the organisation they belong to — as though those labels alone define success and achievement.The ‘tag’ matters?Exactly, the tag culture. I believe those days should be behind us. Look at ISRO. They might have their own travails but the fact is that most of the talent that comes there are not from the premier institutions in the country and yet they do premier and outstanding work and make us proud as a nation.The same is true of organisations that consciously recruit from Tier-2 cities and smaller towns. I often find students there to be remarkably humble, eager and determined. They are trying to prove themselves against a system that has long suggested only the elite succeed.As leaders, we have to move away from that entitlement mindset and create space for talent to flourish. India has extraordinary talent. Some young people may not be the most articulate when speaking in English but they are capable of hard work and possess grit, discipline and can deliver on their promise each and every time.That’s what the country needs—not people who merely preach from the pulpit, but people who consistently deliver.I think as a country now we are mature enough to realise that we cannot be a developing country or hope to become a wealthy country one day on the crutches of elitism. I think elitism is a crutch that we have to get out of as quickly as possible.Why great leaders don’t need charisma(Image generated by AI)You have spent over four decades across big brands. Do you think India Inc has begun to move beyond that elitism? I think the kind of companies that I worked in – Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Nestle – they always prided themselves in a middle-class culture. Their leaders weren’t chosen because they came from privileged backgrounds; they rose through competence, commitment, energy and hard workI use the term middle class in a positive sense because it symbolises humility, integrity, transparency, trust and a strong work ethic. This is what middle-class India is, and these are the values we strive to teach our children. When those values enter an organisation, they become a source of strength.I do think the growing recognition of talent from Tier-2 institutions and smaller towns is slowly weakening elitism. But there’s still work to be done. Our education system and employers must create more opportunities for capable graduates from less celebrated institutions.Too many people still believe admission to a top college guarantees success. Life doesn’t work that way. Success is usually about moving two steps forward, one step back, and repeating that journey with resilience and consistency.The modern workplace has become very volatile, with geopolitics and global uncertainty adding new layers of complexity. What’s your advice for leaders navigating crises? There are two principles that have guided me throughout my career.The first is simple: a crisis never arrives with a calling card. You have to remain alert at all times. Don’t be caught sleeping at the wheel. Anticipate risks before they balloon into crises.The second is to manage yourself before you manage others. That’s often overlooked. When a crisis hits, we immediately focus on facts, meetings and firefighting. But we spend far less time asking: What should I say? How should I behave? What tone should I set?In a crisis, everyone’s anxiety levels are elevated. The leader’s role is to remain calm, anchored in the organisation’s purpose and values, and provide stability.That’s often the difference between a crisis handled well and one handled badly. The outcome rarely depends only on strategy. More often, it depends on leadership—how clearly you communicate, how consistently you act and how much confidence you inspire.In hindsight, do you feel that your response to the Maggi crisis was appropriate? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?The first lesson, that a crisis doesn’t come with a calling card, certainly applies in this case. In hindsight, we could have done better in terms of sensing the environment and knowing that something was brewing in parts of the country. If we had been able to address it more comprehensively, maybe we would have been able to manage the outcome a lot better.Secondly, one of the important issues in managing a crisis is to have a single point of contact communicating to the environment. One criticism we faced was that we were slow in communicating. Looking back, I believe we could have responded faster.In ‘Courage Under Fire’, you write about the emotional effect the loss of colleagues during the pandemic had on you. Do you think business leaders, particularly men, are becoming more comfortable showing their vulnerable side? I don’t know whether the dial has shifted enough in India to say that with confidence. But I do believe people follow leaders who are authentic, humane and emotionally present — not those who remain distant and issue instructions from above.Professor George Kohlrieser at IMD Business School describes a leader as a “secure base.” I find that idea deeply meaningful. Just as we turn to a parent in moments of uncertainty, employees should feel they have someone they can approach with their fears, concerns and aspirations, someone who will provide anchorage in a crisis.Vulnerability, to me, is a source of strength. It acknowledges that you’re still learning and growing. That’s not weakness, it’s humanity.We’ve long been told that men don’t cry. But they do. Suppressing emotion doesn’t make you stronger; it makes it harder to empathise. And empathy is one of the most powerful qualities a leader can possess.You also had a woman boss during your career. Did her leadership style differ from your male mentors? Wan Ling, who headed Nestle Asia-Oceania-Africa, was one of the toughest leaders I worked with. She could be incredibly demanding, yet deeply compassionate.What struck me most was that every conversation with her began with family. With many of my male bosses, business came first and family last. With her it was always, “How is your family doing?”. Only then would we move on to tackle the toughest business crisis moments.One of her greatest strengths was her ability to read a room. She sensed what people were feeling before anyone uttered a word. Just as importantly, she had the ability to step back, consider various perspectives and avoid rushing into decisions. That balance of empathy and judgement made her an exceptional leader.Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations as they place a premium on work-life balance, purpose and flexibility. How do you see that influencing India’s workforce in the years ahead?I see it as a positive shift. The old belief that success demanded 80-hour work weeks came at a huge personal cost. You may have earned more, but you often missed out on family, friendships and life’s important moments. There’s little value in reaching 80 and regretting that you never spent enough time with your parents or your children. So I welcome this change.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThese youngsters are not work-shy. They simply want work to coexist with life, and I think that’s a healthy aspiration. I only wish my generation had the courage to tell our bosses at seven in the evening that we were leaving to meet family or friends. Instead, we stayed back until the boss switched off the lights, as though commitment was measured by the last person to leave the office.That said, balance has to be calibrated. Every generation has something to learn from the other.What also strikes me about young professionals is that they’re driven by experiences. They move from one challenge to another in search of learning and fulfillment. I would encourage them to embrace the challenge itself rather than becoming overly anxious about the outcome. Careers are rarely linear. If you focus on learning, growth and doing meaningful work, the outcomes usually take care of themselves.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorLopamudra GhatakA new-media professional who has straddled the worlds of television and digital. Has worked extensively in the Internet news space for over a decade, and has seen the rise (and fall) of Orkut, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A news and people junkie, likes most things digital and dramatic. Is fascinated by emerging tech trends and wonders if social media is a boon or bane! Guilty pleasures include Nordic crime – books and shows – and Netflix. And an MS Dhoni fan, for life!Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at risk123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Ameesha Patel opens up on being single at 51, says she will never marry: ‘Can’t affort a man to come and change..’ Reuse Tea Bags: Don’t throw away used tea bags: 7 smart ways to reuse them at home