Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose were both extraordinary leaders who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement. Despite sharing the same goal, their approaches were diametrically opposed, reflecting their unique personalities and leadership philosophies.
Non-Violence vs. Armed Struggle
Gandhi championed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) as a moral and strategic weapon against British oppression. In contrast, Bose believed in armed struggle and called upon people to rise against injustice with force.
My Viewpoint:
The majority of Indians resonated with Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, which aligned with their cultural psyche. His peaceful movements like the Dandi March and the Civil Disobedience Movement attracted massive support from millions. Bose, however, appealed to those with a more militant mindset, successfully raising the Indian National Army (INA). While Bose’s reach was geographically limited, his passionate call, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” struck a chord with many, even though his followers numbered in the thousands rather than millions.
Organic Influence vs. Strategic Motivation
Gandhi never sought followers; his influence grew naturally due to the trust he inspired and the seriousness with which the British viewed him. Bose, on the other hand, actively inspired and motivated people, working hard to create a dedicated following.
My Viewpoint:
Gandhi had an existing base of ardent supporters and a reputation of trustworthiness, which made people rally behind him effortlessly. Bose, however, had to start from scratch, creating passion among his followers while addressing logistical and financial challenges. Raising an army required substantial resources, making his task far more complex.
Mass Following vs. Limited Reach
Gandhi’s strategies appealed to millions across India, while Bose’s call for a violent struggle garnered support from thousands.
My Viewpoint:
Gandhi’s deep understanding of the Indian psyche and his ability to connect with the masses made movements like the Salt March instant successes. Bose faced the challenging task of convincing people to embrace a path fraught with risks, including loss of life. His charismatic leadership drew followers, but his ideas found limited acceptance compared to Gandhi’s.
Leadership Lessons for the Corporate World
Both Gandhi and Bose offer invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders. In the competitive corporate landscape, it’s essential to balance their qualities and adapt to situations wisely.
Netaji’s Aggression: While violence has no place in professional settings, Bose’s aggressive approach can inspire leaders to act with urgency and vigor when pursuing challenging goals. Being proactive and “walking the extra mile” to meet Key Result Areas (KRAs) is crucial for success.
Gandhi’s Patience and Observance: A silent and observant leader who listens more and speaks less often earns the trust of their team. Logical decision-making, empathy, and ethical conduct—hallmarks of Gandhi’s leadership—are vital for long-term growth.
A flexible and adaptable leadership style, blending the traits of both these iconic leaders, can guide professionals to navigate complex situations effectively.
A Real-Life Example
In 2011, while working for a leading telecom company, I faced an immense challenge as a store manager. It was March, the final month of the financial year, and the sales targets were extraordinarily high. Initially, my team and I were overwhelmed, and their morale was low.
For the first 15 days, I adopted Gandhi’s approach—calm, composed, and logical. I meticulously planned at the micro level, collaborated with the marketing team for promotions, secured approvals for schemes and incentives, and motivated my team with positive reinforcement. Gradually, their belief in our mission grew.
However, as the deadline approached, I shifted to Bose’s style—demanding and driven. I pushed the team into high gear, setting an aggressive pace. With newfound momentum, we clocked significant deals and achieved 120% of our target.
This experience underscored the importance of blending Gandhi’s calm strategy with Bose’s intense execution.
Conclusion
Both Gandhi and Bose remain unparalleled leaders, embodying different paths to achieving freedom. Their teachings provide timeless lessons for modern leaders. Whether you’re a risk-taker or prefer a steady approach, incorporating the best traits of both leaders can help you succeed. Adapt your style to the situation, and lead with a balance of passion, logic, and integrity.
Kudos to both these visionaries for shaping India’s destiny and inspiring generations to come!
Blog By
Vikas Jaurihar- India’s best Self-Help Book Author