LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERVICE (LTS)
For God and the World
The Leadership Training Service (LTS) is a student movement rooted in the Jesuit tradition and open to students of all faiths. Founded in 1959 at Goethals’ Memorial School, Kurseong, LTS began as a small student initiative during the early years of independent India. What started in the hills of Darjeeling has since grown into a nationwide movement shaping generations of young leaders.
LTS was born from a simple but powerful vision that India needs leaders of character. Inspired by Jesuit ideals of holistic education, LTS focuses not only on skills, but also on the formation of conscience. It seeks to develop young men and women who live with integrity, serve selflessly, and take responsibility for society. Its guiding motto is “For God and the world”.
In 1961, LTS expanded to St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, giving the movement a strong presence at the college level. Leadership formation now continues beyond school years, accompanying students as they entered higher education and professional life, forming “men and women for others.”
A major turning point came with the leadership of Fr. Robert Wirth, S.J., who guided LTS from the 1960s through the early 1990s. His vision helped unify school, college, and alumni units across North India. Under his guidance, leadership camps, retreats, orientation programs, and the annual December Get-Together became hallmarks of the LTS journey, strengthening community and lifelong commitment.
Over the years, LTS grew into a structured national movement with units in Jesuit schools and colleges, supported by regional leadership teams, alumni networks, and formation resources. LTS has always emphasized that leadership is a lifelong vocation, welcoming former members to continue growing through reflection, service, and spiritual accompaniment. Its alumni serve in diverse fields such as education, public service, business, social work, and the Church – living out the LTS ideal of leadership as service.
LTS remains a living testimony to the power of trusting young people, forming character, and leading with faith, courage, and commitment – for God and the world.