Ex-policeman urges students to look beyond politicians, movie stars for inspiration

Cop-turned-motivational speaker VV Lakshminarajana addresses students at a program organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Tirupati on Friday. | Photo credit: KV POORNACHANDRA KUMAR

Police officer-turned-motivational speaker VV Lakshminarajana advised students to look beyond politicians and film stars for inspiration for leadership.

Addressing students at a program organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Tirupati on Friday (September 25, 2026), he termed leadership as a responsibility and not a crown worn out of convenience. “A leader should look beyond simply giving orders to inspire other individuals by setting a goal and leading them to success,” he said.

“Leadership is not limited to politics. Among scientists, doctors, farmers, economists, astronomers and administrators, there are also leaders who are worthy of emulation,” he said.

He described the failure as a “temporary setback” and said it was not the end of life, but an opportunity to understand where they went wrong and learn from the experience. “Low marks should not discourage you, but should become a valuable lesson. FAIL for us is nothing but ‘First attempt at learning’,” he said.

The former CBI Joint Director expressed concern over youths being idle with social media posts, reels and video games and advised students to use their time productively for education, skill development and personality development.

MLC Dr. Cipai Subramaniyam, a urologist by profession, and TTD board member G. Bhanuprakash Reddy inaugurated the programme. JCI India International Director NB Harshavardhan Reddy spoke about the need for students to develop leadership skills alongside their academic curriculum.

Social entrepreneur K. Pavan emphasized the importance of determination and consistent efforts to achieve one’s goals.

JCI Tirupati Power President P. Gautham Kumar, Zone 26 President K. Pramodh Kumar, JAC Zone 26 President G. Sankaraiah, Balaji Sadhana Samithi Railway Division Convener Kuppala Giridhar, Tirupati Film Society President M. Venugopal Reddy were also present.

Published – 25 Sep 2026 20:41 IST