56 Ethics in Higher Education: Values-driven Leaders for the Future
postulate unity. It is true of a nation. It is also true of a
university. A university is known for its multiplicity and
plurality. Any university exists because of its ability to be
inclusive and integral in accommodating all noble
thoughts and possible dreams. Unity in diversity is also
the soul of the university, for it is a miniature form of the
universe. While working for unity and universality in
higher education, it is to be borne in mind that uniformity
is not the ideal; instead, multi-polarity and transversality
need to be adopted as the policies for responsible
leadership in higher education. Identity, unity, and
solidarity are to be the guiding principles in all walks of
life, especially in higher education, because it is through
education that generations are moulded and equipped.
(iii) TRUTH, GOODNESS, AND BEAUTY (satyam
shivam sundaram): A mantle of truth, goodness, and
beauty is the fitting garb of a responsible leader. These
are not only the external outfit but are the values which a
leader should adhere to and to which s/he must be
moulded. A leader is one who seeks truth, speaks truth,
and stands for truth. So also a leader must seek goodness,
speak goodness, and stand for goodness. In thought, word,
and deed a responsible leader has to work for the good.
Similarly a leader is one who acknowledges, appreciates,
and accepts beauty, wherever it is found. Truth, goodness,
and beauty should guide his every step. The whole
purpose of education is to help the pupil see the truth,
goodness, and beauty in life and activity. These are the
triadic values which should fill the ambience of higher
education. These are to be arrived at through dialogue;
they consist in an exodus – a movement in and a moment