Bhaktin Shreya at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada, Phoenix Durban.

At just 14 years old, Bhaktin Shreya is already preparing to shape international discourse as the Charge d’Affaires of the International Diplomats and Orators Society (IDOS). A 9th-grade student and a founding member of IDOS, she has taken on the responsibility of fostering dialogue on global issues while remaining firmly rooted in her Krishna-conscious values.

From an early age, Shreya exhibited a natural ability to lead. Inspired by her mother and the teachings of Krishna consciousness, she sought ways to integrate her faith with her passion for diplomacy and public speaking. IDOS became the perfect platform for her to refine her skills and contribute meaningfully to international discussions. “IDOS is about giving young people a voice, teaching them how to articulate their thoughts, and bringing different perspectives together,” Shreya explained.

Fostering Dialogue About Global Issues Through IDOS

Under Shreya’s leadership, IDOS has undertaken several initiatives to encourage dialogue on pressing international matters. From conducting model UN-style debates to organizing training sessions on effective communication, IDOS provides young leaders with the tools to engage in meaningful conversations.

One of its standout projects was a forum on ethical governance, where participants explored how cultural values shape leadership styles. “We try to ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of background or belief,” said Shreya. “That’s what makes IDOS special—creating an environment where ideas can flow freely.”

Her Krishna-conscious values deeply influence her approach to diplomacy. She believes that genuine leadership requires humility, patience, and a willingness to uplift others. “As devotees, we are trained to see everyone as spirit souls, beyond their conditioning. This helps in diplomacy because it allows us to approach conflicts with compassion rather than hostility,” Shreya shared.

Navigating Challenges as a Young Leader

Shreya’s journey in leadership has not been without challenges. In a setting with many international students where diverse backgrounds and perspectives converge, she has faced moments of resistance and misunderstanding. However, she has remained steadfast in her principles, seeing every challenge as an opportunity to educate and uplift those around her. She noted, “I believe that as a leader, I must uplift others, even when they may not understand my perspective. Standing my ground while focusing on educating and inspiring others is what ultimately leads to meaningful change.”

Leadership as a Form of Service

At the heart of Shreya’s leadership philosophy is the principle of “dasa dasa anudasa” —the understanding that a true leader is the servant of the servant of the servant. She sees leadership not as a position of authority but as a responsibility to serve and uplift those around her.

“This idea is deeply rooted in Krishna consciousness. In ISKCON, we are constantly reminded that the greatest leaders are the greatest servants. It’s about selflessness, about ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to grow and contribute,” Shreya explained.

Her understanding of leadership is further shaped by scriptural texts such as the भागवद गीता and the Manu Samhita, both of which emphasize duty, integrity, and the importance of leading by example. “The भागवद गीता teaches us that a leader should act in a way that inspires others to follow,” she said. “If I want to encourage honesty, kindness, and responsibility, I have to embody those qualities first.”

A Mother’s Influence

Beyond the scriptures, Shreya credits her mother as a profound influence on her leadership journey. From a young age, she was encouraged to cultivate discipline, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility. “My mother always reminded me that true strength lies in service. Watching her dedication to both family and community shaped the way I approach leadership today.”

This foundation of spiritual and moral guidance has given her the confidence to lead with authenticity. Whether navigating complex discussions at IDOS or engaging in temple service, she carries forward the lessons instilled in her from childhood.

आगे देख रहा

With aspirations to continue growing IDOS and fostering interfaith and intercultural understanding, Shreya is eager to expand the organization’s reach. She hopes to create more opportunities for young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, bridging gaps between communities through respectful and informed discussions.

At the heart of it all, she remains steadfast in her Krishna-conscious identity. She explained, “Leadership isn’t about titles or power; it’s about service. Whether it’s in diplomacy or devotional life, the goal is to serve others and uplift them.”

As she continues her work with IDOS, she hopes to inspire other young devotees to embrace leadership with humility, courage, and a spirit of service in whatever life situation they are in.

For those inspired by her journey, her mother regularly shares updates on her progress and initiatives on फेसबुक.