Joby K A Augustine - Bhanpura, Madhya Pradesh

 

My Journey of Transformation through the Values of LMAD

Three years have passed since I attended the LMAD (Let’s Make A Difference) Youth Conference in 2022, yet the impact it had on my life continues to ripple through each day. What began as a single experience evolved into a deep transformation that reshaped both my personal and professional life. The values I encountered there namely; “Honesty, Purity, Love, and Unselfishness”, became not just abstract ideals, but guiding principles that have helped me navigate life with deeper clarity, strength, and peace.

The Power of Honesty: A Foundation for Real Connection

Before LMAD, I often found myself avoiding uncomfortable truths or sugarcoating reality to maintain harmony or avoid conflict. At the conference, the emphasis on being truly honest with oneself and others was a wake-up call. I began to see that honesty is not about harshness, but about clarity and courage.

As a principal, in my professional life, the values have become the cornerstone of my leadership approach. Honesty has helped me build a transparent and trusting relationship with my staff, students, and parents ensuring that every decision I make is rooted in integrity and fairness. Purity, especially in intentions, has guided me to focus on what truly benefits the students and the school community, rather than being driven by personal gain or recognition. Love has transformed my interactions, allowing me to lead with empathy, patience, and genuine care, creating a nurturing environment where both teachers and students feel valued and supported. Unselfishness has encouraged me to put the needs of others before my own, whether it’s staying late to support a struggling teacher, listening to a student’s concerns, or making decisions that serve the greater good of the institution. Together, these values have not only strengthened the school's culture but also deepened my sense of purpose and fulfillment in this role.

In my personal life, this shift was most visible in conversations with my family. A conversation with my mother five months after LMAD revealed how much I had changed. She noticed a new calmness, sincerity, and depth in my responses. Her surprise and joy at seeing these changes affirmed how powerful honesty, rooted in self-awareness, can be.

Purity of Intentions: Choosing Simplicity and Sincerity

The value of Purity taught me to be mindful not only of my actions, but the intentions behind them. It encouraged me to act from a place of sincerity rather than expectation. In a world that often celebrates results and recognition, choosing purity felt like returning to simplicity.

At school, I found myself less interested in praise or promotions, and more focused on how I could serve my students better. I started morning reflections with them, inspired by the “quiet time” practice from LMAD. This helped create a more mindful and peaceful classroom environment.

Personally, this value helped me clear internal clutter. I reduced distractions in my life be it negative media, unnecessary comparisons, or unhealthy habits. I found more peace, and this inner stillness began to reflect in my outer world.

Love: The Force that Connects and Heals

The love I discovered through LMAD is not just emotional it’s a conscious act of kindness, understanding, and compassion. I began treating every interaction as an opportunity to express love not just to people I like or agree with, but to everyone, including those who challenge me.

Professionally, I started mentoring students with greater empathy. I took time to understand their backgrounds, struggles, and dreams. Some of them started opening up about personal challenges, and it was deeply fulfilling to know I was able to support them beyond academics.

With my daughters, this love has taken the form of deep listening and intentional presence. I no longer rush through moments with them. I made the decision to send them to Delhi for a short fellowship programme with Viral Sir, because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative his guidance can be. I want them to live a life anchored in values, not just achievements.

Unselfishness: Living for a Larger Purpose

Perhaps the most liberating lesson from LMAD has been the joy of living unselfishly. Initially, this felt like sacrifice. But over time, I realized that true unselfishness creates freedom; freedom from ego, attachment, and the constant need for validation.

At work, this meant going the extra mile even when it wasn't notice volunteering for tasks, mentoring junior staff, or staying back to help students. At home, it meant letting go of small expectations from others, and doing what needed to be done simply because it was right.

This shift was especially tested during challenging times whether it was health issues in the family, professional setbacks, or emotional lows. But even in these moments, the values served as an anchor. The resilience I had built through practicing unselfishness helped me face trials with strength and equanimity.

A Life Transformed

Today, as I reflect on the past three years, I am filled with gratitude. The person I was before LMAD and the person I am today feel worlds apart. I am more grounded, more present, and more open-hearted. While life still presents challenges, I now face them with greater inner strength and faith.

The transformation wasn't instant it was gradual, shaped by everyday choices. The quiet time practice, the introspection, the lessons from Viral Sir all of it continues to guide me. I now live with greater clarity about my purpose, stronger relationships, and a deep sense of peace that doesn't depend on external success or recognition.

In sending my daughters to experience what I did, I hope to pass forward this light. I believe that when young minds are exposed to such foundational values, they become torchbearers of a more compassionate and conscious world.

“Let’s Make A Difference” was never just a conference it was a calling. And I am humbled to be walking this path.