Sarpanch Samreen Khan, from Manjakote Village in Rajouri, took centre stage at MIT World Peace University’s flagship Social Leadership Development Program (SLDP) 2025, inspiring a generation of future leaders with her journey of resilience, vision, and grassroots transformation. The three-day program, held under the theme #CommunitiesForChange, united an extraordinary assembly of leaders, changemakers, and policymakers.The program was formally inaugurated by Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh (Retd.), Member, National Security Advisory Board, Former GOC-in-Chief, Southern Command, Indian Army, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Mr. Fernando Garibay, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy, who attended as the Guest of Honour. The event also witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Mr. Satyajit Bhatkal, CEO of Paani Foundation; Padma Shri awardee Ms. Chami Murmu; environmentalist Mr. Morningstar Kongthaw; chairman of Living Roots Foundation and the Heritage Committee Mr. B.R. Shankaranand; activist Mr. Shyam Sundar Paliwal; social entrepreneur Mr. Moirangthem Seth; as well as numerous sarpanches, founders, and distinguished changemakers from across India.Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh (Retd.), spoke on the interconnected ideas of spirituality, leadership, and nation-building. He said, “Nation-building is possible only with the right kind of leadership—and leadership rooted in spirituality is what will truly drive it. Today, we see disruptions in politics, diplomacy, and technology, but amid these changes, India can be the voice of peace and development. Students must remember their fundamental duties before claiming their fundamental rights.”Ms. Samreen Khan, Sarpanch, Village – Manjakote, Rajouri, J&K said, “My journey proves that leadership is not about age, it’s about vision, courage, and service. When I became sarpanch, my aim was to solve real problems like roads, water, electricity, education. We built roads, installed solar lights, ensured water supply, and fought for girls’ right to education before marriage. I believe youth must step into politics with new ideas and responsibility, because only action not criticism changes society. Do not wait for opportunities abroad; create them here in India. Start businesses, innovate, and serve your communities. Leadership means taking responsibility for your people’s future. If 65% of India is youth, then 65% of India’s change rests in your hands. Don’t wait for change, be the change.”Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU said, “SLDP is more than an event, it is a movement aimed at nurturing socially responsible leaders who will foster inclusive and sustainable development. The university is committed to building on this momentum to empower future generations to create meaningful and lasting social impact.”From environmental stewardship rooted in indigenous wisdom to innovative water conservation models, and from ethical entrepreneurship to the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, the sessions highlighted how tradition and modern innovation can come together to fuel inclusive growth. Students engaged directly with real-world issues such as climate change, rural empowerment, urban sustainability, and cultural preservation, discovering the role of empathy, ethics, and creative problem-solving in leadership.
Woman sarpanch from Rajouri village inspires students at MIT-WPU’s Social Leadership Development Prog 2025
