Independence Day Special: Career Lessons From India’s Freedom Struggles

India’s fight for independence is not just an important historical event for academics, but the struggles of our great martyrs are an inspiration for all.

With our 77th Independence Day approaching, let’s see what jobseekers can learn from our freedom fighters and their fight for independence.

Let’s begin!

Independence: Take career power into your hands

The most important takeaway from India’s freedom struggle is to take your decisions rationally and independently.

When trying to choose a career, start early and reach out to seniors, alumni, or family and friends to understand the demands of the careers you relate to the most.

Next, chalk out the path accordingly in terms of education and skills. Take up some internships to understand the demands of the role first-hand.

You can read our blogs on How to ask for an internship and How to get an internship to help your search for the same.

Then work on acquiring additional important skills required for the role as this will up your chance of landing your dream job.

However, do keep in mind not to opt for a career just for remuneration or perks. Factor in your passion and interest as well while choosing a career as it will encourage you to excel in your field.

Diversity: Explore different career options

Our freedom struggle saw a variety of resistance movements against our colonial rulers. Whether it was the Civil Disobedience or the Chittagong armory raid, the movements were starkly different in nature, demographics, participants, and so on.

We may not be revolting against colonizers, but standing out professionally is no small feat. So, when looking at your career growth, look for diverse options!

Don’t shy away from looking at opportunities in different industries. Every industry functions differently and can add to your skills and experience.

Read our Tips to Navigate career transitions successfully to know more.

Persistence: Regular job hunt practice/efforts

Our struggle for freedom was several decades old and filled with setbacks and challenges. A jobseeker’s quest to land their dream job requires similar perseverance when faced with adversities.

In your job search, you may encounter rejection, competition, and difficulties, but maintaining persistence and resilience can help you stay focused on your goals.

Discipline & Strategic Planning: Maintain a schedule to apply for jobs

You cannot overcome any struggle without discipline and planning. Our freedom fighters were excellent planners of resistance movements like the Civil Disobedience movement and the like.

Similarly, when looking for a job you need to chalk out a proper plan and be flexible to multiple approaches and changing circumstances.

Remember the time you were in school, and you had a timetable drawn out for each subject? Apply the same level of discipline and planning when you are out looking for a job.

It is crucial to be open to new challenges and adjust your approach based on feedback for success.

Courage: Learn from your failures

Setbacks are a part and parcel of every journey, whether our independence movement or our search for a job.

But imagine where India would be if our freedom fighters had given up due to a setback!

So, embrace your failures, and use the feedback to improve your strategies for success. A positive attitude towards failure can foster resilience and personal development.

Unity and Collaboration

The freedom struggle in India involved a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and ideologies coming together for a common cause.

Similarly, jobseekers can benefit from networking, collaborating, and building relationships with others in their field.

Engaging with mentors, peers, and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Effective Communication and Leadership

Many leaders of the Indian freedom movement were exceptional communicators who were able to rally the masses through their speeches and writings.

Jobseekers can learn to develop effective communication skills, both in written and verbal forms, to convey their value to potential employers.

Leadership qualities, such as motivating others and taking initiative, are also valuable traits in the job market.

Long-term Vision and Goal Setting

India's freedom fighters had a clear vision of the future they wanted to achieve and set long-term goals to work towards it.

Jobseekers can benefit from setting clear career goals and mapping out a path to achieve them.

Having a vision of where you want to be in your career and taking deliberate steps toward that vision can provide a sense of direction and purpose.

Adherence to Values and Ethics

The Indian freedom fighters possessed strong values of truth, justice, and equality. Jobseekers can apply this lesson by maintaining their integrity and ethical principles throughout their job search and career.

Upholding honesty, fairness, and transparency can help build a solid reputation and trust with potential employers and colleagues.

Resourcefulness and Innovation

During the freedom struggle, activists often had to find creative and resourceful ways to overcome challenges, such as organizing protests and disseminating information.

Jobseekers can learn to think outside the box, leverage their strengths, and find innovative solutions to stand out in a competitive job market.

Patience and Endurance

The struggle for India's freedom required immense patience and endurance, as progress was often slow and outcomes uncertain.

Jobseekers can adopt a patient mindset, understanding that building a successful career takes time.

Staying committed to your goals and putting in consistent effort, even when results are not immediate, can lead to eventual success.

Empowerment and Self-Reliance

The freedom movement emphasized the importance of self-reliance and empowerment, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their destiny.

Jobseekers can take control of their career journey by continuously improving their skills, seeking out opportunities for self-development, and taking proactive steps to achieve their professional goals.

Conclusion

By drawing inspiration from the principles and strategies of India's freedom struggle, jobseekers can develop a strong foundation for navigating the challenges of the job market and working towards their career aspirations.