What I Learned from My Inspirations Even the Controversial Ones

No one is perfect. But everyone can teach us something.

When people ask me who inspires me the most, they're often surprised — or even shocked — by my answer.

My list includes names like Adolf Hitler, Velupillai Prabhakaran, Jayalalithaa, Lee Kuan Yew, and Kamaraj.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me be honest:

I don't support violence, hatred, or any of the harm caused by these individuals.

But I do believe in this simple idea:

I don't look for perfect people. I look for powerful qualities.

In every person — no matter how complex or controversial — I try to see what's worth learning. I take the good and leave the bad.

1. Adolf Hitler — Discipline and mass influence

Let's address the elephant in the room. Hitler is one of the most infamous names in history. His actions led to war, genocide, and unthinkable pain. I do not support or excuse any of that.

But when I study history, I also see a man who — through sheer willpower, discipline, and speech — transformed a broken Germany into a powerful state in just a few years.

If you win, you need not have to explain. If you lose, you should not be there to explain.

He was not born a great leader. He became one by shaping his mind, practicing influence, and leading with fire. I take that lesson: your circumstances don't define you. Your willpower does.

2. Velupillai Prabhakaran — Unshakable commitment

Prabhakaran led the LTTE and is seen differently by different people. While many call him a terrorist, many Tamils saw him as a freedom fighter.

A gem of a person whom I admire a lot and follow him very deeply.

What I focus on is this: he never gave up.

He built an army from the ground up. He trained young minds, ran a parallel administration, and led a disciplined force with almost no outside support.

We don't fear death. We fear living without dignity.

He reminds me that if you believe in something deeply, you give it your all — even when no one else believes in you.

3. Jayalalithaa — Grace, strength, and comebacks

Jayalalithaa's journey from cinema to the Chief Minister's office wasn't easy. She was mocked, judged, and insulted — especially because she was a woman. But she rose every single time.

Her political life was full of ups and downs. But she never let anyone write her off. Her welfare schemes changed lives across Tamil Nadu.

They said politics is not for women. I showed them I belong here more than most men.

From her, I learned that power doesn't always roar. Sometimes, it walks with grace.

4. Lee Kuan Yew — A nation builder's mindset

Singapore was a tiny, poor island with no resources. But Lee Kuan Yew didn't see that as a weakness.

He saw potential. And he had the vision to build Singapore into one of the most advanced countries in the world.

He ran the country with strict discipline, zero tolerance for corruption, and a focus on education and planning.

I am not here to be loved. I am here to do what is right for the future.

He showed me that good leadership isn't about popularity. It's about building something that lasts long after you're gone.

5. K. Kamaraj — Kingmaker's simplicity and service

Kamaraj didn't chase fame or wealth. He lived a simple life and worked to improve education in Tamil Nadu.

His midday meal scheme helped millions of children stay in school. He never dressed up for cameras, never made flashy speeches — but his actions did all the talking.

This old man changed entire Tamil Nadu. You will never see a man like him.

I want every child, even in the smallest village, to get an education.

He reminds me that real leaders don't need a spotlight. They just need heart.

I choose what to learn

All of these individuals are very different from each other. Some of them are celebrated, some are condemned. But to me, they all had certain qualities that stood out:

• Hitler — Discipline and influence (not ideology)
• Prabhakaran — Purpose and persistence
• Jayalalithaa — Resilience and courage
• Lee Kuan Yew — Vision and integrity
• Kamaraj — Humility and service

I don't follow them fully. I follow the good in them.

Take what you need. Leave what you don't. That's how growth works.