A school is where young minds are molded so that they become wholesome individuals and contribute positively to society. Besides academic proficiency, students are taught to navigate through the complexities of a society, which will allow them to be a part of the social structure while working towards a common goal, either as a community or a country. While being individualistic is encouraged in a healthy way, a balance needs to be created where these aspirations do not come into conflict and help the individual achieve their personal goals too. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to cultivate leadership and social responsibility in each student:

• Leadership classes can be taken up where focus is given on leadership as a quality and its real-world implications. Students can take up projects revolving around leadership theories and roles. Classes on historical leaders starting with Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, or Martin Luther King must be taught so they can broaden their horizons.
• Build student councils where students can work collectively to address common issues they may face on the school premises. Clubs can also be formed to focus on specific interests or causes students want to pursue. This can be small charitable drives or simply conducting events within the school premises. Senior students can also mentor younger students to help them get settled in the school while giving them important life advice as they adjust to school life.
• It is important to develop recognition programmes where students can be awarded or recognised publicly for their performance or any other task they have undertaken. Students who demonstrate leadership qualities or take on social responsibilities should be encouraged so they can serve as a good example for other students to emulate.
• Teachers and other staff engaging with students full-time should also be taught to integrate leadership qualities and social responsibility into all the tasks they undertake. This will allow teachers to become good role models for the students so they can internalize it more effectively.
• Use the power of the internet and digital technology to develop materials that are simple, precise, and effective. While detailed programmes and learning opportunities are definitely encouraged, sometimes keeping it short and sweet is as good if we get it right.
• Conducting seminars and interactive programmes with public figures and other institutions will allow students to broaden their horizons and approach these subject matters with discretion.