Indian Overseas Congress, Bahrain hosts panel discussion on “redefining leadership”
Kingdom of Bahrain: The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), Bahrain Chapter, successfully organized a compelling Panel Discussion and interaction session themed “Redefining Leadership” at the Park Regis Hotel, Lotus Hall, Bahrain. The event gathered distinguished community leaders, dignitaries, and professionals for an engaging dialogue on the evolving dynamics of leadership in today’s world.
Mr. Mohammad Mansoor, President of IOC Bahrain, welcomed the esteemed guests and speakers in his opening address. He expressed pride in being part of the Indian Overseas Congress and shared inspiration drawn from the vision of their global chairman, Shri Sam Pitroda. “Our chairman has championed the Build, Manage, and Maintain Platform to mobilize and empower overseas Indians. This platform not only strengthens international relations with and for India, but also unites us in our shared commitment to progress and unity,” said Mr. Mansoor.
The keynote speaker, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Kerala Congress MLA, emphasized the critical need to redefine leadership by focusing on listening rather than imposing. He advocated for a leadership style that actively seeks and values public opinion, a concept that was applauded by all attendees as fresh and innovative.
Renowned journalist Mrs. Raji Unnikrishnan expertly moderated the event. H.E. Yusuf Lori, Director of the Capital Governorate, shared the dais as guest observer and praised the IOC Bahrain for organizing such a meaningful event. “This initiative will certainly add value to community leadership and should be continued to inspire and shape future leaders,” he stated.
The session saw enthusiastic participation from key community leaders who shared their perspectives on leadership in today’s world. Speakers included Mr. Binu Mannil, Chairman of India School Bahrain; Mr. Casious Perera, President of the Indian Club; Mr. Arshad Khan, Vice President of the Urdu Community Bahrain; Mr. Abraham John, President of the Kerala Catholic Association; Mr. Ajit Bagera, President of Kannada Sangha; Mrs. Fawzia Fareed, Vice President of the Indian Ladies Association; Anthony Paulose from Bahrain One Hospitality Group; and Mr. Sibin Thomas, President of the Indian Youth Cultural Centre (IYCC).
Moderator Mrs. Raji Unnikrishnan concluded the session by highlighting key takeaways and announcing plans for ongoing workshops aimed at enhancing youth leadership skills. Mr. Mathew provided an overview of these upcoming initiatives, stressing the importance of equipping young leaders to contribute meaningfully to society and strengthen community leadership.
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England sticking with Key, McCullum and Stokes despite Ashes humbling
London (AP): England is not sacking anybody following the 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia.
A review of the tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board, announced within hours of the final match in January, was concluded on Monday. Firing people would “be the easy thing to do,” ECB chief executive Richard Gould said but he insisted, "This is not the time to throw everything out."
Managing director Rob Key, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes kept their jobs after the best England side to go to Australia in 14 years lost the Ashes in 11 days with two games to spare.
“Moving people on can sometimes be the easy thing to do. That's not the route that we're going to take,” Gould said. “I've seen the driving ambition and determination that we're lucky enough to have within our leadership group to take the lessons from the Ashes and move forward.”
Gould previously was the chief executive of Bristol City soccer club and said the ECB would not follow the same route as soccer's hire-and-fire culture.
“Cricket is a very unique sport in that it takes a team of leadership ... it's not like football where there's a single point of failure or success with a manager," he said. He added the ECB would not “select or deselect management based on a popularity campaign.”
The main criticisms of England's tour were poor preparation, player misbehavior, and selection mistakes.
At a press conference at Lord's, Gould and Key said McCullum and Stokes have not had a “bust up,” they did not want McCullum to “completely change” but “to evolve,” the behavior of some players was “unprofessional,” there will be more consequences for underperforming, and a commitment to “better long-term planning” ahead of major test series.
Some changes were already implemented for the Twenty20 World Cup, where England reached the semifinals. Gould implied that performance saved McCullum.
Key acknowledged that England supporters would be disappointed to see the management team go unpunished.
“I know people want punishment and that people then should be sacked for that,” Key said. “That doesn't mean we don't feel like we've gone through some serious pain: Brendon, myself, Ben. It's been as tough a time as I think I've had.”
