Talking Points for the use of Hon’ble Vice-President of India at the launch of the book ‘Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada’ on 07 January 2026

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata- The Most powerful and the most Merciful. It is a pleasure to be present today on the occasion of the launch of the book ‘Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada’, authored by Professor Hindol Sengupta. I congratulate the author for this thoughtful and timely contribution.

India has always been a civilisational leader of  the world. From the Upanishads to the Bhagwad Gita; from the Bhakti movement to modern reformers; our tradition has consistently emphasised leadership rooted in values, service, and inner discipline. Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada stands firmly in this lineage. At the age when many seek rest, Swami Prabhupada undertook an extraordinary journey—crossing oceans with determination, and a profound message. He carried with him not only a religious philosophy, but a way of life that emphasised purpose, humility, discipline, and joy.

In 1966, Swami Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, in New York City. ISKCON’s success stands as a powerful example of leadership rooted not in authority or power, but in conviction, service, and clarity of purpose.

 The title of this book—Sing, Dance and Lead—is both evocative and instructive.  It captures a powerful truth: that leadership need not be distant. It can be joyful, participative, and deeply human. Swami Prabhupada led not through command, but through example; not through coercion, but through inspiration.

In a world often obsessed with power, speed, and scale, his leadership model has been grounded in service, patience, and moral clarity. He built institutions, inspired millions across cultures, and created enduring systems, all while remaining rooted in simplicity and devotion. This is leadership of the highest order.

Leadership, whether in governance, institutions, or social movements, begins with clarity of thought. At the core of all leadership lies one fundamental principle: right thinking before right action. This timeless idea finds powerful expression in Thiruvalluvar’s words:

“வெள்ளத்து அனைய மலர்நீட்டம் மாந்தர்தம்
உள்ளத்து அனையது உயர்வு.”

Just as the height of a lotus depends on the depth of the water that sustains it, human achievement rises in proportion to the depth of one’s inner vision. The nobler the thought, the greater the outcome. What Thiruvalluvar called “உள்ளத்து அனையது உயர்வு” is what modern leadership literature calls vision. True leaders are distinguished by elevated thinking. Yet vision alone is not enough.  It must be translated into action and meaningful action requires collective effort. Leadership, therefore, is the ability to inspire others to make a shared vision their own and to work together toward lasting change. It is in this spirit that Srila Swami Prabhupada’s leadership stands out. Guided by a profound inner vision, he transformed an idea into a global movement by inspiring people to serve, and to lead with purpose.

Professor Hindol Sengupta has done commendable work in presenting Swami Prabhupada’s life as a case study in ethical and transformational leadership. By bridging history, philosophy, and contemporary leadership thought, this book makes ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers—students, professionals, administrators, and public servants alike.For those of us engaged in public life, the lessons are particularly relevant.

Democratic institutions thrive not merely on rules and procedures, but on trust, restraint, and a spirit of service. Leadership, especially in a diverse democracy like ours, must be anchored in empathy, dialogue, and integrity—values Swami Prabhupada exemplified throughout his life. It is also heartening to see Indian spiritual thought being discussed globally in a language and framework that resonates with the youth.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the timeless Indian vision that the whole world is one family—finds a living, practical expression in the life and leadership of Swami Prabhupada. Through song, through dance, and through spiritual wisdom, he united people across continents, nationalities, race and creed not by power or position, but by purpose.  This book is also a reminder that when leaders align their thoughts, words, and actions with Dharma, they inspire trust, awaken purpose, and create movements that endure far beyond their own lifetime.

At a time when young people are searching for meaning beyond material success, such works remind us that leadership is ultimately about uplifting others and contributing to the larger good. I hope this book will encourage readers to reflect on their own journeys—whether in governance, education, business, or community life. Once again, I congratulate Professor Sengupta on this fine work.  I trust that “Sing, Dance and Lead” will stimulate reflection, dialogue, and inspiration, and will carry forward the timeless message of Swami Prabhupada to newer generations.

I wish the book gets a wide readership which it richly deserves.

Jai Hind! Long Live Mother Bharat!