Leadership Father’s Values in Blood
My own leadership developed, it all began with My father. He sowed the seed of leadership within me. This seed was further nurtured by my maternal uncle. During my student life, I was actively involved in various student movements, and through them, I got the opportunity to lead and experience struggles firsthand.
We saw, listened to, and learned from great leaders like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan. During our time, even Mulayam Singh Yadav was a fiery socialist leader. Leaders like Raj Narain even endured police lathi charges outside the Legislative Assembly for us. We witnessed those movements up close and participated in them. All of these experiences helped shape my leadership abilities and inspired me to understand how to struggle and fight for justice.
When it comes to inspiration, even after joining the Indian Railways, my biggest source of inspiration has always been my father. He spent his entire life in struggle. In independent India, he was imprisoned for seven years—a feat that is no small thing. His courage, sacrifice, and relentless spirit have always been a guiding force for me.
NRMU General Secretary (1950- 14.02.1984)
Guidance of Sh.DD Vashisth
I drew immense inspiration from Vashisth Ji, our General Secretary. He always wanted me to attend a Trade Union Educational Program, but I would make excuses every time and refuse to go.
When Vashisth Ji Challenged Me
One day, he confronted me directly and said, "Whenever I suggest sending you to a Trade Union Educational Program, you refuse. Why is that?" I replied, "Whenever I see people returning from such programs, they only start talking about laws, their passion cools down, and all their militancy disappears. If you are sending me there just to make me a ‘businessman,’ then I am not going." He then explained to me, "We are organizing a special educational camp through the Trade Union, specifically for you, and you must attend."
Lessons from 1986 Camp
This was in 1984. He sent me to a 15-day camp in Chanakyapuri. There, he told us, "You are like a river in full flood during a storm. If you are not given direction, you can cause destruction. But if your energy is channeled, you can generate electricity, irrigate fields, and put your power to good use. That is why a ‘dam’ must be built around you — and that dam is the Trade Union Educational Program."
A Promise on His Last Day
Sadly, on the last day of our training, 14th February, he passed away. For me, this became a pledge — to honor his words and live up to his expectations.
Carrying Forward My Mentor’s Legacy
After that, I trained many people in trade union education. I take great pride in the fact that his teachings made me a good worker, and I was able to pass on the right knowledge to my fellow members.
Purohit Ji, My Global Path
Purohit Ji, My Global Path
President of the ITF/AIRF (1980- 2014)
I have been fortunate to receive many opportunities to travel abroad. When I was working in the Co-operative Bank, I spent four months visiting Italy, Geneva, France, England, Brussels, Uppsala, Denmark, and the Netherlands. At a very young age, I had already traveled to these countries.
In 1986, during the World Youth Rally of the ITF, I traveled to Japan. Later, I also visited New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, the United States, Canada, and Brazil. In total, I have traveled to around 30–32 countries across the world.
Thanks to the blessings of Purohit Ji, I am today a member of the Governing Body of the ITF — a position held by only a select few globally. This has been a matter of great honor and pride for me.
Global Recognition Earned
Across 30 Nations
These journeys gave me vast exposure and the chance to meet people from various sectors and industries, from whom I gained great inspiration.
On 24 April 2024, when we celebrated the 100th Foundation Day, our stage hosted representatives from 20–25 countries — from Russia, Japan, London, Germany, and Nepal. The General Secretary and President of the ITF, as well as the President of its Railway Section, were present. This was a remarkable achievement for us.
We have built a strong image internationally, backed by our hard work and sacrifices. Our federation has created history, and it is this legacy that has earned us such global recognition.
My Ideals and Inspirations
The Companions I Can Never Forget
When it comes to ideals, Vashisth Ji has truly been my role model. Chaubey Ji and Vajpayee Ji have also been ideals for me. Whatever I learned in the union, it was through the guidance of such people.
One of our presidents, Purohit Ji of AIRF, was also an ideal for me. He had also served as the President of the ITF.
Mahendra Sharma Ji — Always in My Heart
Asia Pacific Regional Secretary, ITF
There are some companions whose memories still touch my heart.
Mahendra Sharma Ji — Asia Pacific Regional Secretary, ITF — whose memory remains with me always. He worked tirelessly to guide me and consistently encouraged me to move forward.
I also fondly remember D.D. Vashisth and T.N. Vajpayee. Whenever I think of them, their remembrance deeply moves me.
