I was first introduced to Ramayan when I was 6 years old by my grandfather. He was a writer and the first person to translate Bhagwad Gita into Urdu in the early 50s.
I encountered Ramayan for the second time when I was 11 years old, through the 78-episode series written and directed by Ramanand Sagar. This series aired from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988, and captivated the entire nation, sparking the first seeds of leadership lessons within me.
The learnings from those days are deeply imprinted in my memory and soul, and for this speech, I delved into my memories to uncover the leadership lessons from Ramayan.
My first impressions were shaped by King Bharat. Bharat was summoned back to Ayodhya from his vacation after the death of his father. On his return, he was welcomed by a series of rude shocks: father dead and brother in exile. His mother was the cause of both. She misunderstood her son so much that she thought he would be pleased by her machinations. What's worse, the citizens, courtiers, and many other people suspected him to be a co-conspirator along with his mother. Any other ordinary mortal in his place would have died of shock, guilt, and shame. However, Bharat stood up like a leader and decided to make corrections for his mother's mistakes.
When he was repeatedly subjected to false accusations, he could have used royal power to silence the accusers. But like a true leader, he humbly won over his accusers by putting in sincere efforts to convert the suspicion into appreciation.
|
He did not manipulate or intimidate people to stay in power. He left Ayodhya with the royal priest, chief ministers, three widowed mothers, and a large number of citizens to bring back his elder brother. After a long journey through the dense forest and mountains in Chitrakut, Bharat discovers a simple cottage where Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana are living. He immediately falls at Ram's feet and cries at the cruelty of fate, cursing himself for the hardships his brother is facing. Ram consoles him and inquires about their father. With a heavy heart, Bharata informs Ram of their father's death. Seeing Ram worried about Ayodhya, Bharata requests Ram to come back and take over the throne. Ram refuses, saying that their father's word must be honoured. Bharat says, "Brother, I will stay back in the forest to honour our father's word." Their loving, intense discussion goes on as they try to convince each other to take over the throne. For Bharat, it's a matter of meritocracy, while Ram sees it as a matter of honour.
They both wanted to bestow power in the hands of deserving candidates.
Bharat says he hasn’t earned it, so he has no right over it.
Ram says he will not take it unless everyone in the kingdom accepts him as a king.
But despite the discussion and argument both remained unrelenting.
After Ram made it clear about spending the next 14 years in the forest, Bharat could have accepted the kingdom, as it was dropped into his lap by destiny. Bharath sat on fast unto death till Ram accepted to return to Ayodhya After seeing Bharata's devotion to him, Ram picks up his brother, hugs him, and declares, "I will accept the kingdom that you are offering me, but I also want to honour my father's word. So after accepting it, I now entrust you to run it for the next 14 years." Bharata knew he could do nothing beyond this, so he decided to become a caretaker and not the ruler. He asks his brother, "Please give me your sandals. I will place them on the throne and sit below the throne until you return." Ram offers him the sandals. Bharata returns to Ayodhya with them after placing a final request to his brother to return as soon as the 14 years end. Ram assures him that he will return, and Bharata leaves for Ayodhya in tears. Dear audience Please remember the following text: "In Ayodhya, Bharatha places the sandals on the throne and works as a caretaker king. For the next 14 years, he shouldered all the responsibilities of a king but refused to enjoy the privileges. He spent his time living in a hut outside by adopting the food and lifestyle of his brother in exile. In this story, there are 2 leaders: Ram and Bharat. Power cannot be snatched and one doesn't become a leader just by gaining power and authority. Leadership should be bestowed on an individual by the virtue of meritocracy, love, and acceptance from followers. The Pathways curriculum hasn't mentioned a leader with the above virtues, but I prefer to walk on the path of Dasharath's sons as far as leadership is concerned." I hope this is helpful! |
