A King Constantine Story: Prem Madhav Bali, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet

Prem Madhav Bali, a student at The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet in India, was awarded his school’s King Constantine Medal in recognition of his resilience, leadership and all-round excellence, transcending the limits of his disability to achieve distinction in equestrian sport, modelling and shooting. His leadership as House Captain guided his House to the Overall Championship, while his empathy and humility have shaped a strong and supportive community around him.

“What began as something I simply enjoyed slowly became something I could not imagine being without. There came a moment when I realised this was no longer just an activity, but a part of who I was. I understood then that if I truly loved it, I had to give it everything, not just my time, but my heart.

What inspires me most about working with horses is how much it asks of you. It challenges your strength, your patience and your courage, and in doing so, it reveals who you really are. One moment in particular has stayed with me. I was working with a horse that became difficult and unpredictable, and I felt a mix of fear and helplessness, as if everything I thought I knew was not enough.

In that moment, I realised that force would only push us further apart. Instead, I chose to slow down. I spent time simply being there, quietly, feeding the horse, understanding him and building trust step by step. That experience changed me. I learned that true strength lies in gentleness and that trust cannot be rushed. When that bond finally formed, the fear faded.

At the stables, helping others has become just as important to me as working with the horses themselves. I spend time not only grooming and caring for the horses, but also guiding younger riders who are still building their confidence. I remember a Grade 3 boy who would freeze the moment he got on a horse. His fear affected everything, from his balance to his posture.

Instead of pushing him, I chose to walk beside him, both literally and emotionally. I spoke to him calmly, showed him how to hold the reins, how to trust the rhythm of the horse and most importantly, how to trust himself. I encouraged even the smallest progress. Slowly, the fear in his eyes turned into focus and hesitation into control. Today, he rides with confidence and ease. That transformation was not just about technique, but about helping someone believe they could overcome something that once held them back.

Through these experiences, I have come to see that kindness and patience are not weaknesses, but strengths. When we support each other and share what we have learned, it strengthens the whole community. It is not just about individual success, but about ensuring that everyone feels confident and inspired to give their best.

My journey in equestrian sport has also pushed me to aim higher. I became the youngest rider in India to qualify for the Senior Nationals in tent pegging, competing alongside some of the most experienced riders in the country. That experience tested not only my skill, but also my composure and courage. Over the years, I have continued to compete at a national level, earning multiple medals and growing as a rider.

Receiving the King Constantine Medal means a great deal to me because it reflects the effort behind the journey. It represents every moment of doubt, every challenge and every time I chose to keep going. It reminds me that the process matters just as much as the outcome.

This recognition inspires me to continue striving towards an international level and to carry everything I have learned with me as I take the next steps. It also reminds me that growth comes not only from pushing forward, but from supporting others along the way.

My passion for horse riding has also shaped my creative work. For my final art project, I explored the theme of movement through the experience of riding. I am interested in continuing this through filmmaking and photography, capturing the rhythm, energy and connection between horse and rider. It has shown me that what I feel can be expressed and preserved through the art I create.”

Four Steps to Lead with Awareness and Communication like Prem

1. Slow down and observe before you act
Whether working with people or animals, understanding comes before action. Pay attention to behaviour, emotion and context. Often, what looks like resistance is actually uncertainty or fear.

2. Communicate through patience, not pressure
Not all communication is verbal. Tone, presence and consistency matter. Taking time to build trust can be far more effective than trying to force quick results.

3. Build confidence in others, step by step
Encourage small progress and recognise effort. Helping someone move from hesitation to confidence often comes from steady guidance rather than big interventions.

4. Reflect and adapt as you go
Self-awareness is key to growth. Be willing to adjust your approach, learn from each experience and recognise how your actions affect others. Real progress comes from understanding both yourself and those around you.