A GROUP of rural leaders are gearing up for a trip to India, aimed at "stretching" their leadership thinking.
The 27 talented rural Australians are readying for a two-week journey to India for the fourth session of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) on Sunday, February 9.
The ARLP is a 59 day program, delivered in six sessions over 17 months.
Five of these sessions take place in locations across Australia, while one takes the leaders abroad to learn from the leadership challenges experienced by other rural communities.
The twentieth cohort of this iconic leadership program come from diverse rural industries, sectors and communities, and will be examining ethics, projects towards rural self-reliance and the unique political climate affecting rural communities in India.
Philippa Woodhill, acting chief executive of the Foundation said that taking the Program group overseas was an essential part of their leadership development, as it provided a whole new context to ways of leading and bringing about change in complex circumstances.
“We challenge our leaders to consider what we can learn from India. It can be easy to feel that similarities are few, but when immersed in rural India, inspiration is everywhere,” Ms Woodhill said.
“Our leaders from rural communities face economic, environmental and regulatory challenges, and this trip gives them the chance to observe the innovations and successes making ground elsewhere.”
Course 20 of the ARLP will hear from renowned police anti-corruption campaigner Dr Kiran Bedi, who will speak about her years of fighting for more resilient rural communities.
The group will also hear from the Common Man Party – the newly emerged force in Indian politics, led by those weary of the corruption that has often stifled initiatives designed to achieve progess.
“Program participants are about to explore diversity of a scale and complexity that few have encountered before, where ancient history and spiritualism inform daily life” Ms Woodhill said.
“There are leaders within India’s enormous population who have refused to be daunted, and have forged ahead to make gains for their industries and communities in unique, brave ways.”
Course 20 will also have the opportunity to engage with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), learning about its unique community and business partnerships and holistic approach to agricultural research for development.
