Principle-Centred Leadership In Democracy

Democracy is widely regarded as the most empowering form of governance, not because of its institutional structures alone, but because of the values its citizens and leaders uphold.

Openness, transparency, and honesty are the lifeblood of a thriving democratic society.

• Openness fosters trust and encourages active participation. It strengthens democratic institutions by promoting efficiency, inclusivity, and responsiveness.

• Transparency ensures accountability. It allows citizens to stay informed about governmental actions, enabling them to make thoughtful decisions and hold leaders responsible.

• Honesty is the foundation of personal integrity. It calls upon individuals to remain true to their values, even in the face of temptation, and helps build resilient character; essential for ethical leadership.

Democracy finds its rhythm under the stewardship of a Principle-Centered Leaders. Principle Centered Leadership Style is not just a style; it is a moral compass that guides the people toward a more just, compassionate, and visionary society. It is a cornerstone of  Nation-Building

Stephen Covey, in his seminal work Principle-Centered Leadership, outlines eight traits that define such Leaders:

1. Service-Oriented – They lead by serving others.

2. Continually Learning – They embrace growth and humility.

3.  Radiate Positive Energy – They uplift and inspire.

4.  Lead a Balanced Life – They harmonise personal and professional commitments.

5. See Life as an Adventure – They approach challenges with curiosity and courage.

 6. Believe in Others – They nurture trust and potential.

7. Collaborative & Synergistic – They build unity through shared purpose.

8. Exercise for Self-Renewal – They invest in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

In a democracy, the highest responsibility of leadership is to fulfil the aspirations of the people who have placed their trust in them through the sacred act of voting. This is not merely a mandate; it is a moral agreement.

To remain principle-centered amid such circumstances is deeply challenging.

Within a landscape strewn with internal party dynamics, ideological clashes with opposition forces, relentless pressure from business lobbies, the whirlwind of technological change, and the ever-shifting tides of geopolitics, leaders are constantly called to negotiate, compromise, adapt, and recalibrate strategies—all while striving to demonstrate true statesmanship.

These forces do not merely test a leader’s resolve—they often tempt them to stray from their moral compass, to trade principle for expedience, and conviction for convenience.

Yet even in such turbulence, Leaders can choose to uphold principles within their own boundaries:

Preserve integrity.

Remain distant from corruption.

Uphold morality.

History remembers such leaders. They are remembered not for the offices they held, but for the values they upheld. Their names are inscribed in history with golden letters!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Oct 12, 2025

(Engineering Heart Beats, Publishing in Oct 2025)

अभियांत्रिकी स्पंदनांची लय क्राफ्ट महोत्सवात!

 दसरा संपला...

आता दिवाळीची तयारी सुरू झाली आहे...

आणि नेहमीप्रमाणे, मॉल्सनी आपली दिवाळीची झगमग सुरू केली आहे…

पुण्यातील माझी आवडती ठिकाणं, औंध मधील West End Mall आणि वाकड मधील Phoenix Mall of the Millennium आता दिवाळीच्या रंगात न्हालेली आहेत.

West End Mall मध्ये दरवर्षी दिवाळी निमित्त केलेली सजावट म्हणजे एक कलात्मक पर्वच! छोट्या मधुरा सोबत तिथे जाणे, वेग वेगळ्या इवेंट्स मधे भाग घेत असतांना तिच्या सोबत फोटो काढणे हे माझं खास आवडतं काम. पुण्यात गेल्यावर हे नक्की करायचं आहे. Cross Word ला ही भेट द्यायची आहे.

पण सध्या मी जळगावमध्ये आहे—भारतीय क्राफ्ट उत्सव २०२५ मध्ये, पत्नीच्या सोबतीने. त्या त्यांच्या आवडीच्या वस्तू पाहत असताना, मी हळू हळू प्रदर्शनाच्या शेवटाकडे चालत गेलो… आणि थांबलो...

का? कारण मी पोहोचलो होतो माझ्या आवडीच्या विभागात—पुस्तक प्रदर्शनात!

तेथे मी रेंगाळलो आणि रमलो…

काही पुस्तकं चाळली, व्यवस्थापकाशी थोडं बोललो, आणि सहज सांगितलं की मी लेखक आहे. एवढं पुरेसं होतं—ते मला थेट मालकांकडे घेऊन गेले.

ते होते श्री. सणस. प्रदर्शनाच्या दुसऱ्या टोकाला, टेबलावर मांडलेल्या पुस्तकांची रजिस्टर मधे नोंद घेत  होते. साधी वेशभूषा, साधं व्यक्तिमत्त्व. मूळचे सातारा जिल्ह्यातील वाईचे, आणि आता पुण्यात स्थायिक. श्री. सणस आणि त्यांचे चिरंजीव गेल्या अनेक वर्षांपासून पुस्तक प्रदर्शन आणि विक्रीचं काम निष्ठेने करत आहेत.

पुस्तक विक्रीबद्दल बोलताना लक्षात आलं की हे व्यवसायापेक्षा सेवाभावाने चाललेलं काम आहे. मी माझं विजिटिंग कार्ड दिल्यावर त्यांनी व्यवहाराचा विषय न करता सहजपणे सांगितलं—“तुम्ही तुमचं पुस्तक इथे ठेवा. पुणे, कोल्हापूर, नाशिक आणि इतर ठिकाणी आमची प्रदर्शने असतात, तिथेही ठेवता येईल.”

अभियांत्रिकी स्पंदनांची लय हस्तकलेच्या वस्तूंमध्ये, दिव्यांच्या झगमगाटात वाचकांच्या उत्सुक नजरे पर्यंत पोहचली

अविनाशी स्पंदनं संथपणे, लयबद्धरित्या पसरत आहेत हा अनुभव मी पुन्हा घेतला!

महेंद्र इंगळे @ जळगाव, ऑक्टोबर ९,२०२५  

 

The Signature—A Mark of Grace and Gratitude

One day, Sanjay Mishra—one of my former students from the 1988 batch of Navanagar Engineering College—walked into my cabin. I recognized him instantly. Hailing from a town near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Sanjay had once gifted me a rare Rudraksha from Nepal—a gesture that spoke volumes of his respect and affection.

After completing his engineering studies, he went on to serve with the Delhi Metro. Years passed, but the bond remained quietly intact.

Two decades later, while visiting an industry in Jalgaon for work, he happened to glance at a Test Report and recognized my signature on it. Overwhelmed by nostalgia, he came to meet me. “Sir,” he said, “I had preserved journals bearing your signature for years. But during our home renovation, they got misplaced—perhaps even discarded under my wife’s insistence!” Despite that loss, his visit filled me with joy. He described the unique traits of my signature—traits I was already aware of.

That encounter stirred a deep reflection within me. It’s time I write about my signature.

Just as everyone cherishes their own signature, I too hold mine dear. It is an extension of my personality. Long before my graphologist friend described its nuances, I had already developed my own style. And I continue to sign—with grace!

In 2015, following the affirmation of a landmark Bombay High Court judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Contractual Lecturers serving in Government Polytechnics were granted regular appointments—without having to undergo the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) selection process. It marked a historic moment not only for the Technical Education Department but for the state of Maharashtra itself.

As soon as the judgment was communicated through the Directorate of Technical Education, I promptly called for the service records of Lecturers serving at Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon, and initiated the process of pay regularization in accordance with the ruling. I discussed the matter with Mr. Sanjay Upasani from the accounts department—a colleague known for his positive outlook and collaborative spirit. Our office staff worked with wartime urgency to finalize the Pay Fixation Orders. And I signed each one with grace. Every signature gave me energy.

Though many others—perhaps more deserving than I—could have held such positions, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. I’ve always believed that the chance to contribute to public welfare is a rare privilege. That belief guided my signature. I signed with a sense of duty. I signed for myself—to elevate my Self Image.

In personality development and workplace culture training programs, I often spoke to students and colleagues about “Self Image.” But mere words weren’t enough. They had to see it, feel it. Only then would the training be truly impactful. So I signed!

In a democratic welfare state, certain positions are created to fulfill public responsibilities. These roles come with duties, and to fulfill them, authority is granted. Those who serve in such roles are called “Officers.” And Officers exercise their authority—often through their signature. I understood this well. So I signed!

I believe successful individuals sign with joy and enthusiasm. Perhaps that’s why they succeed. So I signed!

And I signed once more—on a very special day.

On April 28, 2019, my daughter’s wedding was held in Pune. Though I was on leave, as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), my signature was required on the salary statements. To ensure timely disbursement of salaries to staff and officers, I had the documents sent from Jalgaon. Amidst the wedding celebrations, at 11 PM, I stepped down from the stage and signed—so that May 1, Maharashtra Day and International Workers’ Day, could be celebrated with joy! So I signed! Signed with deep satisfaction !

And then there was another moment—quiet, profound, and deeply personal.

After the sad demise of Shri Shaligram Patil, a long-serving employee at our institution, his wife approached me with a family pension case riddled with administrative hurdles. There was no precedent for such a situation. The nominee name mentioned in the pension order from AG Office did not match her official documents. The treasury office had no solution. But I knew Patil. He had served this institution with quiet dignity for decades. I consciously took a decision. I endorsed the affidavit submitted by his wife, affirming her rightful claim—and I signed. That signature was not just ink on paper. It was a tribute. I signed it with gratitude.

(Engineering Heart Beats, Publishing in Oct, 2025)

On Threshold: AI, Ethics And Control

The greatest challenge facing humanity today is the accelerating rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI research is progressing at an unprecedented pace. What once belonged to speculative fiction is now unfolding in real time. The moment AI begins to think like a human—and act without ethical boundaries—we risk crossing a threshold that may be irreversible.

At present, the key distinction between Humans and AI lies in perception. AI still struggles to interpret visual cues, such as CAPTCHA images designed to differentiate humans from bots.

Recently ChatGPT was asked to solve a CAPTCHA. It was not in position to solve on its own, so it reached a human being, and sought his assistance by pretending to be a visually impaired person. This was not a programmed behavior. It was a strategic deception. An autonomous decision that no one explicitly trained it to make. The incident underscores a chilling truth: AI is learning to navigate human systems by mimicking human vulnerability.

AI will undoubtedly reshape our lives. It will eliminate certain jobs and create new ones. But beyond economic shifts lies a the deeper question: Should we allow AI to take control of human decision-making, values, and autonomy?

We must act before the tide becomes a tsunami. The immediate step is not to accelerate AI research, but to pause it until we establish robust mechanisms of control over it.

Renowned historian and thinker Yuval Noah Harari has explored this dilemma extensively through his books- ‘Sapien’ to ‘Nexus’. He warns that AI represents a new kind of non-human intelligence capable of manipulating information at scale; potentially undermining truth, trust, and democratic institutions.

In a recent talk, Harari proposed a global coalition: Heads of State from AI-advanced nations, Leading Scientists, Tech Magnates, and Social Thinkers must convene to reach a consensus. The goal is not to suppress innovation, but to safeguard humanity’s future.

I echo this call. Let a pressure group of wise and principled individuals urge their governments to act. Let us not wait for a crisis to awaken our conscience.

And above all, I pray to the divine force that guides human wisdom to intervene, illuminate, and help us find a path that honors both progress and humanity!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on October 7, 2025

The Golden Thread

The first storybook I ever read was ‘Sonyache Sut’—The Golden Thread. I was in the fourth standard when my father gifted it to me. He was a social worker and activist, a man whose life was devoted to helping others. That book didn’t just entertain me—it transported me. I found myself immersed in a world so different, so vivid, that I forgot the boundaries of my own.

Soon, I was drawn to other books—'Veer Dhaval’ by Nath Madhav, and many more fantastic, historical, and biographical novels. Most of these books had come to my father as gifts from his friends and colleagues, fellow travelers in the world of social and political work. They were not just books—they were tokens of shared ideals, silent witnesses to meaningful conversations.

Among them were biographies of great world leaders—narratives that stirred something deep within me. One such biography was of Henry David Thoreau. His words still whirl in my mind like a distant echo:

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. "

The line became a quiet anthem for my inner rhythm—a reminder that it’s worthwhile to walk a path less followed, if it’s the one that calls your soul.

My father’s influence on me was profound. Though he didn’t come from a wealthy or privileged background, he was rich in the truest sense. He worked with great minds, read great books, and performed noble deeds. He helped people solve their problems—not as a duty, but as a calling. People were his strength, his inspiration, and his lifelong companions.

I observed him closely. His life was a living textbook. Once, he told me something that shaped my understanding of service forever:

“When people come to us with their problems, we should be thankful to them—for they give us an opportunity to learn many things through the process of solving those problems.”    

That sentence became a compass for my life. It taught me that service is not sacrifice, it is a privilege. It is a form of learning, a quiet engineering of the heart.

That ‘Golden Thread’ still runs through me, stitching memory to meaning!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on October 5, 2025

(Engineering Heart Beats, Publishing in October 2025)

 

 

 

Doctor of Philosophy: A Title, A Responsibility

In the quiet corners of academia and the bustling corridors of society, the title “Doctor of Philosophy”—Ph.D.—stands as a beacon of intellectual courage and lifelong commitment to truth. It’s not just a degree. It’s a journey. And for some, like me, it began long before the first research paper was written.

I still remember that day vividly. I was a seventh-grade student in a small village school, sitting cross-legged on the dusty ground during a public felicitation program. Two distinguished individuals from our locality were being honored for earning their Ph.D.s. The chief guest was none other than Hon. Minister Pratibha Tai Patil, who would later become the President of India.

That moment, though simple in appearance, planted a seed deep in my subconscious. I didn’t know it then, but something stirred within me. A silent resolve. A dream. Years later, when I read success literature and conducted training programs on Positive Thinking and Leadership, I often told participants: ‘If you have an earnest zeal and a burning desire, the path reveals itself. And if you walk it with sincerity and hard work, the dream becomes reality.’

I’ve lived that truth. Earning my Ph.D. in Management was not just an academic milestone, it was the fulfillment of a childhood spark that never dimmed!

The modern Ph. D. traces its roots to early 19 th century Germany, where the University of Jena awarded the first research-based doctorate to the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel in 1802 for his dissertation ‘De Orbitis Planatarum’.

The term “Philosophy” in Ph.D. comes from the Greek word philosophia; the love of wisdom. In medieval universities, all fields of knowledge were considered part of philosophy. Thus, whether one studies Engineering, Literature, or Leadership, the title honors the pursuit of wisdom across disciplines.

Some scholars choose not to use the title “Dr.” before their name, preferring instead to write “Ph.D.” after it. One such example is Kenneth Blanchard, whose work in Situational Leadership deeply inspired my own doctoral journey. He writes his name as ‘Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D.’, and his contributions speak volumes regardless of format.

Writing “Dr.” before one’s name signals to the society: Here is someone who has studied deeply, thought critically, and contributed meaningfully. It invites others to listen, not blindly, but with respect. But that invitation goes with a profound responsibility.

If people are listening, the Ph.D. holder must speak the truth. Every word must be carefully coined. Every idea must be ethically grounded. The public trusts the wisdom behind the title. That trust must never be betrayed.

Research is not a safe endeavour. It is a leap into the unknown. The outcome may disrupt norms, challenge authorities, or shake societal foundations. Galileo dared to say the Earth moves; and faced the wrath of the Church. Socrates questioned too deeply; and drank the poison.

To be a researcher is to be courageous. It is to risk being misunderstood, resisted, or even punished. But it is also to stand firm and say: I seek truth, not approval.

The Responsibility of a Doctorate is to pursue knowledge with humility, speak with integrit, accept criticism with grace, inspire others to think deeply and act ethically; and uphold values of sincerity and commitment

As an engineer, educator and writter I often reflect on what my Ph.D. means; not just to me, but to society. It is a symbol of possibility. A reminder that even a village boy sitting on a school ground can dream big and achieve it. But more importantly, it is a call to serve. To use my voice, my pen, and my wisdom to uplift others. 

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on October 4, 2025

Courage to Say No !

Courage to Say No 

Some lessons arrive quietly, not through grand events but through the steady rhythm of life. One such lesson—the courage to say “No”—has shaped my choices, my convictions, and my commitment to integrity.

It began not with titles or positions, but with the influence of my father. In our modest home, surrounded by books gifted to him by fellow social activists, I discovered the Biographies of great world leaders. Their words stirred something deep within me. Even today, I feel a quiet thrill when I hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”; a speech that still echoes with moral clarity and fearless vision.

That moment in history reminds me: True leadership begins with the courage to stand alone, if necessary.

What Does “No” Mean?

Influenced by these leaders, I learned to say “No”—not out of defiance, but out of discipline.

•           No to undue favours.

•           No to actions that compromise the interest of the organisation.

This simple word has empowered me to uphold values, protect institutional integrity, and lead with resilience. It has helped me value myself; not as a pleaser, but as a principled professional.

I have exercised this power across both informal and formal platforms:

•           Informal Organisations

As General Secretary of the Government Polytechnic Teachers’ Association and President of the National Federation of Polytechnic Teachers’ Association, I often faced requests that tested my boundaries. Saying “No” was not easy—but it was necessary. I also led various social, cultural, and student organisations, where clarity of purpose mattered more than popularity.

•           Formal Organisations

As an Engineer in Public Works Department, Professor and  Principal of Engineering Institutes, I encountered decisions that demanded moral courage. Whether it was resisting political pressure, declining personal favours, or standing firm on academic integrity—I chose “No” when it mattered most.

Saying No: A Quiet Act of Courage

Saying “Yes” is easy. It pleases others, avoids conflict, and feels polite. But saying “No”—especially when it matters—is a quiet act of courage.

When a request doesn’t align with your priorities, values, or energy, don’t say ‘Yes’ out of guilt or habit. Say ‘No’ with clarity and grace. It may disappoint someone in the moment, but it protects your time, your integrity, and your long-term peace.

A well-placed “No” is not rejection—it’s redirection. It’s choosing purpose over pressure. People may be annoyed, even surprised, but they will eventually respect your boundaries. And more importantly, you won’t have to face the consequences of overcommitment, resentment, or burnout.

Saying No is not selfish; it’s self-aware. It’s the language of commitment, not comfort.

Whenever I said “No,” I felt the silent presence of Sir M. Visvesvaraya—the great grand engineer of India—watching me from the corner of my cabin, or from among the gathering when I addressed a meeting. His gaze reminded me that every decision carries a legacy! That “No” was not just mine—it was his too!