Lewis learns about inspirational leadership through the Indian currency

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi

The last currency that Lewis the Lion would encounter on his around-the-world trip was the Indian rupee. On the back of the bank notes he discovered some images he rather liked; those of Indian tigers and elephants.

The reverse side of the Indian notes

The reverse side of the Indian notes: tigers and elephants on the 10 Rupee note

He also liked the fact that this money had both Hindi script and English writing – that would make it easier for him at any rate when trying to work out the conversions. He ended up rounding in his head to convert this currency as 100 rupees was approximately one British pound.

The Indian notes have both Hindi and English writing on them

The Indian notes have both Hindi and English writing on them

Unlike many currencies that he had met along his way, the Indian currency did not display the image of a current president, queen or head of state but rather of one of the most inspirational freedom fighters in the history of mankind: Mahatma Gandhi who lived between 1869 and 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi is represented on all of the rupee notes

Mahatma Gandhi is represented on all of the rupee notes

So important and dear is Gandhi to the Indian people, that he is called the `Father of the Nation’ and  his image appears on the front of all of the rupee notes.

The ten to five hundred rupee notes

The ten to five hundred rupee notes

Lewis the Lion felt compelled to find out more and he had so many questions in his head:


Why is Gandhi still remembered with such affection by the Indian people?

How did Gandhi change history through his actions?

What made him such a great leader?

Are there leaders like that in today’s world?

What leaders do we need in our world today?

 

Lewis the Lion wonders if you can come up with some of the answers to his questions?!

You can click on this link to help you or you may wish to do your own research.

One thing is for certain though, Lewis the Lion loved one of the most famous quotes of this special man, which you can see at the top of this blog post. Lewis agreed wholeheartedly: if you want to change things for the better in the world, you must always start with yourself and be the best person that you can possibly be!

About Helen Molloy

Helen Molloy has been a Primary Learning and Teaching Consultant, leading on the introduction of Primary Languages in the City of Stoke-on-Trent for the past 5 and a half years. She is passionate about language learning and inspiring children into developing a curiosity and awareness of other people's languages and cultures.
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