Is leadership an inherent gift bestowed upon the chosen few, or a skill sharpened through experience and learning? This age-old debate has captivated scholars for centuries, with some, like 19th-century theorist Thomas Carlyle, championing the 'Great Man' theory, which states that leaders are born with inherent traits such as power, influence, and charisma. For example, in Are leaders born or made? Asking the right question, Martin Sposato argues that effective leadership typically emerges from a blend of inborn traits and formative experiences. Similarly, a recent study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that a majority of executives (52%) believe leaders are “more made than born,” indicating that organizational experience, training, mentorship, and exposure remain central to leadership development. This perspective, supported by research two individual studies (a) and (b), suggests leadership resides within a select group blessed with an innate capacity to inspire and command.
However, some researchers argue that leadership skills can be developed through experience, feedback, and learning. This view supports modern theories such as transformational leadership, suggesting that anyone can develop into a leader by developing qualities such as empathy, vision, and the ability to connect with others.
While this debate remains relevant today, the key challenge today is to develop leadership in student unions while ensuring diversity and opportunities for all disciplines.
Throughout history, student unions have demonstrated that they can fight against unfairness and inspire change. In Gujarat, India, the Nav Nirman Andolan (1974), a protest against rising hostel fees, emerged into a powerful anti-corruption movement, resulting in the resignation of the Chief Minister. In another case at Hyderabad Central University in 2016, the tragic death of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar, exposed the persistence of caste discrimination on campuses and sparked nationwide calls for justice.
More recently, unions united students during the protests against India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019–2020 and again in 2024, after the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, when students demanded justice and stronger campus safety.
Student unions have also made a mark globally; South Africa’s #FeesMustFall movement (2015–2016) challenged tuition hikes and underscored the importance of affordable education.
These examples demonstrate that student unions are more than campus bodies; they are forces for social change and advocates for a more equitable society.
Many assume student leaders need a background in political science, which discourages others, yet leadership requires far more than political knowledge. A psychology student might apply emotional intelligence to build a supportive campus culture, while a medical student could improve health services. Such perspectives enrich unions and address real student needs.
History shows leaders emerge from varied paths: Malcolm X, without formal political education, became a civil rights icon; Che Guevara was a medical student; Fidel Castro studied law; and Vladimir Putin trained in law and economics. More recently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy rose from comedy and acting to the presidency of Ukraine. These examples prove leadership is not defined by a degree but by vision, courage, and the will to act. Diverse academic and cultural backgrounds bring fresh, innovative solutions to unions.
Even so, leadership within universities is never simple.. At Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), for example, students protested fee hikes of up to 61 percent, which eventually led the Academic Council to cap increases at 20 percent and add support for weaker sections in 2025. The 2018 Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) protests showed a similar struggle when cuts to scholarships hurt marginalized students the most, pushing leaders to negotiate with administrators and rally their peers.
Students have also stepped into global issues, such as the Climate Strikes inspired by Greta Thunberg. Organizing movements like these while staying effective locally is not easy, and it
demands strategy, teamwork, and resilience. Research shows that well-funded student unions can make a real difference by improving student well-being, employability, and community.
Put simply, whether they are fighting fee hikes or climate change, student leaders learn resilience and prove that unions can drive meaningful change.
At the same time, inclusivity and representation remain essential to union leadership.
For example, the Anti-Hindi Agitation (1960s) highlighted how sidelining linguistic minorities can alienate communities. Tamil-speaking students protested against policies that disregarded their cultural identity, demonstrating the value of leadership that respects diversity.
Practical needs, such as inclusive facilities for religious or cultural practices, are also critical. For instance, universities worldwide have faced calls for prayer spaces for students of various faiths, as their absence can lead to exclusion and limit participation in campus life.
Therefore, by adopting these approaches, student unions can create campuses prioritizing fairness, equity, and representation.
For student unions to thrive as change-makers, they must go beyond reactive politics.It demands inclusivity, representation, and long-term vision. Unions can expand their impact by raising awareness across campuses, creating specialized departments on issues such as mental health or cultural affairs, and offering inclusive spaces that encourage belonging. Coordinators and research units ensure organized, evidence-based initiatives that reflect student needs.
Engagement grows through open meetings, guest sessions, and mentorship pathways that welcome newcomers. Leadership workshops linked with academics strengthen skills, while surveys, town halls, and external partnerships keep unions responsive and well-resourced. These strategies empower students, encourage collaboration, and position unions as engines of innovation and positive change.
Therefore, essentially, student unions are spaces where leadership grows, diversity is valued, and collective voices drive change. Through inclusivity, dialogue, and innovation, they empower students to lead with empathy and creativity while ensuring every student feels valued.
Farhan Rasool
