Pune: MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) hosted its flagship Social Leadership Development Program (SLDP) 2025 under the theme #CommunitiesForChange, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and changemakers.
At the centre of the program was Dr Kavita Namdeo Ware, Sarpanch of Kisal Grampanchayat, Maharashtra, who inspired students with her story of determination, education, and social transformation.
Kavita Namdeo Ware Shares Her Grassroots Journey
Dr Kavita Namdeo Ware highlighted her journey from a tribal village in Ambegaon to becoming a global representative of India’s Panchayati Raj system. Speaking about her experiences, she said: “From walking through flooded paths to reach school to representing India in Sri Lanka and Taiwan, my journey has been defined by resilience and education. Through schemes like Earn and Learn and academic support at Mumbai University, I could transform my opportunities – and now I work to bring the same to my community.”
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Dr Kavita Namdeo Ware added that Kisal Grampanchayat has prioritized women’s leadership, Mahila Sabhas, gender equality, health initiatives, and ownership rights. She noted that challenges such as menstrual taboos have been turned into opportunities for awareness, and emphasized that politics must be viewed as the voice of change for the unheard.
Distinguished Guests and Their Insights
The program was inaugurated by Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh (Retd.), Member of the National Security Advisory Board and former GOC-in-Chief of the Southern Command, Indian Army. He spoke on spirituality, leadership, and nation-building, stressing that leadership rooted in values is essential to India’s future.
Other distinguished participants included:
- Fernando Garibay, Founder & CEO, The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy (Guest of Honour)
- Satyajit Bhatkal, CEO of Paani Foundation
- Padma Shri awardee Chami Murmu
- Morningstar Kongthaw, environmentalist and Chairman, Living Roots Foundation
- Shyam Sundar Paliwal, activist
- Moirangthem Seth, social entrepreneur
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SLDP 2025: A Platform for Social Leadership
According to Dr Rahul V Karad, Executive President, MIT WPU, the Social Leadership Development Program is not just an event but a movement to nurture socially responsible leaders. He said: “SLDP is designed to foster inclusive and sustainable development by empowering future generations to create lasting social impact.”
Themes Highlighted During the Program
SLDP 2025 sessions covered a broad spectrum of social innovation topics, including:
- Environmental stewardship and indigenous wisdom
- Water conservation models
- Ethical entrepreneurship
- The ‘Vocal for Local’ movement
Urban sustainability and cultural preservation
Students engaged directly with pressing issues such as climate change, rural empowerment, and grassroots governance, exploring how empathy, ethics, and creativity can shape leadership for the future.
The presence and message of Dr Kavita Namdeo Ware served as a cornerstone for the program, underscoring the role of women and youth in leading India’s communities towards inclusive growth.
