An unidentified woman, claiming to be the basis for the series character, expressed her intention to pursue legal action against the creators
entertainment1 hour ago
A retired officer of the Indian Army is in the Capital with an aim to transform students into tomorrow's leaders.
At the age of 24, Major Shirish Patil had led a team of 120 soldiers at Siachen Glacier - world's highest and coldest battlefield. After 16 years in uniform, he took retirement in 2009 to work with companies like Adani and Amazon.com, where he led big teams.
Patil follows the theory - great leaders are made, not born. He went on to start Turv Consulting, a skill development organisation, which conducts lectures and workshops in leadership and soft skills for corporates and business schools.
It was in 2015 that Patil was approached by his childhood friend and classmate Saju Sahadevan to help students in the UAE. Sahadevan is based in Abu Dhabi for over a decade and said: "I felt very less attention was given to developing soft skills in children and I approached the best man for the job." Patil first hesitated but soon got involved in the right earnest.
"I spoke to many teachers, curriculum developers, psychologists and others in India. After 2-3 months of research, I put together a concept for workshop - Leadership, the Army Way. I focused on students of 13 years and above, which is the right age for them to pick up right traits," said Patil, who hails from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
His forays into the UAE started in last October with open introductory sessions in Abu Dhabi Indian School, American International School Abu Dhabi, JSS International School Dubai and Indian Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi. "The response was good and parents were very involved."
The 41-year-old gives children a 'flavour' of how important leadership skills are in the army, where stakes are very high.
"I teach them how communication, team work, building trust, integrity, goal-setting and basics help them in school and career. I share field experiences and consequences when communication fails."
He involves many fun activities and case studies to drive home his points. He also gives children tasks to do as homework. "It's one or two sessions of two hours a week and are set to span throughout the year. A psychologist will also be part of the 12-session programme," he said.
He conducts special sessions for parents too. And soon more retired army personnel will join Patil.
He has got a local partner in Define Management Consultancy and Training. Its academic director Sathyan is happy to get such an 'inspiring and motivating trainer'.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
An unidentified woman, claiming to be the basis for the series character, expressed her intention to pursue legal action against the creators
entertainment1 hour ago
The memoir is inspired by his famed "Rocky" character's running up the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps in the 1976 film's legendary training montage
entertainment1 hour ago
The Indian singer could be seen apologising to the Pakistani actor for not recognising her at first instance
entertainment1 hour ago
The singer performed for over 54,000 fans
entertainment1 hour ago
The actor known for his romance flicks in Bollywood has been on a hiatus for 9 years
entertainment1 hour ago
Here are some thrilling ways to escape the summer heat and enjoy the indoors to the fullest
entertainment1 hour ago
After a bout of torrential rain, Dubai has bounced back like no other city, with automotive events being organised in full swing and big announcements being made
auto1 hour ago
Sounds of prayer 'hallelujah…praise the lord' filled the air as part of a religious ceremony marking the soft opening of the facility
uae1 hour ago