Women Ways #06. Heroes in Indonesia and India

Summary

In this insightful podcast, Captain KK, a retired naval officer and Senior Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation, discusses dedication to one's nation with a focus on the lessons learned from heroes in Indonesia and India. He highlights the importance of integrity, emphasizing values such as honesty, justice, and unity. The conversation also celebrates female heroes, including R.A. Kartini from Indonesia and Rani Lakshmi Bai and Indira Gandhi from India. Captain KK encourages young women to contribute to their country's development, particularly in education, business, and defense, and stresses the significance of 'unity in diversity' as a source of national strength.

Takeaways

• 😀 Integrity towards the country means staying true to core values such as respect, justice, fairness, and unity, and making sure our actions align with the nation's principles.
• 😀 Integrity is shown in daily actions—honesty, respecting the law, and caring for the environment—and it involves being accountable even when no one is watching.
• 😀 In Indonesia, Hero's Day celebrates the contributions of many heroes, including female heroes like R.A. Kartini, who fought for women's rights and education in the early 20th century.
• 😀 India also has inspiring female heroes, such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, who fought against British rule, and Indira Gandhi, India's first female Prime Minister, who led the nation during challenging times.
• 😀 Young women can contribute to their country's development by pursuing education, skill development, and participating in sectors like leadership, business, education, and defense.
• 😀 Women in India have made notable progress in the defense forces, with more women now serving in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, and policy changes supporting their expansion in combat roles.
• 😀 The National Maritime Foundation in India highlights the significant contribution of women in the maritime sector, where they lead in policy recommendations and research.
• 😀 Both India and Indonesia share a strong tradition of patriotism, with lessons to be learned from each other. India’s unity in diversity is a key takeaway for Indonesia, especially given its cultural and ethnic diversity.
• 😀 Indonesia can learn from India's approach to unity in diversity, ensuring policies promote inclusivity and see diversity as a strength rather than division.
• 😀 India can take inspiration from Indonesia's women-centric policies and cultural norms that place women at the heart of national development, empowering them with freedom and choice in their lives.

Q & A

What does integrity towards your country mean to Captain KK?

Integrity towards Captain KK’s country means living by values and principles that make a nation great, such as respect for others, justice, fairness, and unity. It is about being honest, respecting the law, and contributing to society, and doing what is right even when no one is watching.

How can individuals implement integrity in their daily lives?

Individuals can show integrity by being honest in their dealings, respecting the law, and caring for the environment. It also involves holding oneself accountable for actions and contributing positively to the community.

How does Captain KK define the role of women in India's development?

Captain KK highlights the importance of women’s contributions in education, skill development, the service sector, and defense forces. Women’s increasing participation in these fields plays a key role in India's economic growth and national security.

Can you share some examples of female heroes in India?

Captain KK mentions Rani Lakshmi Bai, who fought against British rule in 1857, and Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, who led India during the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh.

What lesson did Captain KK learn from his conversation with the host about the role of women?

Captain KK was impressed by how the host, inspired by the struggles of Indonesian hero Kartini, uses the opportunity and privileges she has to further women’s rights and contribute to education, continuing Kartini's legacy.

How can young women contribute to their country's development?

Young women can contribute by pursuing higher education and vocational skills, participating in the service sector, and joining defense forces. Their involvement in these areas directly supports national growth and development.

What are the opportunities for women in India’s defense forces?

Women in India are increasingly taking on significant roles in defense forces, accounting for 4% of the Army, 10% of the Air Force, and 6% of the Navy, with expanding roles in combat due to policy changes.

How does Captain KK view Indonesia and India’s shared traditions of patriotism?

Both nations have strong traditions of patriotism, stemming from their histories of colonial rule. Captain KK emphasizes the importance of fostering unity, resilience, and national dedication as central values for both countries.

What is the lesson Indonesia can learn from India regarding diversity?

Indonesia can learn the importance of promoting inclusivity through policies and institutions that celebrate diversity. India’s identity as a pluralistic society has helped it turn its diversity into a strength.

What lesson can India learn from Indonesia regarding women’s empowerment?

India can learn from Indonesia’s model of broad-based women’s empowerment, where women have the freedom to choose how they lead their lives, what they work on, and how they contribute to the country and society.