An Ancient Path to Modern Success

When Lord Ram chose to go into exile (vanwas), his brother Bharata was devastated. Despite his heartfelt appeals, Ram stood firm on his commitment to uphold his father’s promise. Understanding his elder brother’s unwavering resolve, Bharata accepted the situation but sought Ram’s charan paduka (sandals) as a symbolic representation of Ram’s authority. Bharata vowed to rule Ayodhya as a custodian until Ram’s return, displaying profound humility and loyalty. During this poignant exchange, Lord Ram imparted invaluable lessons to Bharata on governance and leadership. These teachings, encapsulated in the Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayan, are not just a tale of brotherly love but a masterclass in leadership. Lord Ram demonstrated exemplary traits and shared invaluable lessons on governance, outlining essential virtues every leader must cultivate and detailing 14 failings to avoid.  7 Essential Virtues: Lord Ram emphasised the following principles that are essential for righteous and Effectiv...

In organisations, “rule deviation” and “policy violation” offer two distinct ways of responding to unexpected situations. Rule deviation is about slightly bending a rule in specific cases, often with permission and within limits. Policy violation, however, is when someone knowingly breaks a fundamental rule without permission, leading to serious consequences. Interestingly, ancient myths illustrate these ideas well. In mythology, demons often gained powerful abilities through intense penance, which came with strict conditions—similar to policies in an organisation. The gods, instead of breaking these conditions directly when dealing with these demons, found creative ways within the limits to address challenges. Let’s look at some examples from these stories to understand this better. Special Powers in Mythology: Strength with Conditions: Demons in ancient myths often obtained their special powers by pleasing the gods with rigorous penance (tapasya). These powers had specific limitation...

Imagine being transferred to a role that doesn’t suit you, working under a difficult boss, or dealing with tasks that don’t match your interests. It’s frustrating. Life can throw unexpected challenges at us, leaving us feeling stuck or helpless.  Tough times challenge leaders to their core, forcing them to confront uncertainty, loss, and complex decisions. Such situations not only demand perseverance but also test the ability to inspire others and strategies for a better future. By improving your skills during these phases, you prepare for future success and find a sense of purpose even when things feel uncertain. The Story of King Nala and Damayant: The story of King Nala and Damayanti from the Mahabharata is a timeless example of overcoming adversity through self-improvement and perseverance. Nala was a noble and skilled king known for his exceptional abilities in governance and his love for his wife, Damayanti. However, his life took a drastic turn when he was tricked into a gam...

In a country as diverse as India, where linguistic identities are deeply tied to regional pride, language has often become a political tool. Time and again, language pride movements are used to stoke regionalism, dividing communities and hampering national unity. While political leaders may exploit language for electoral gain, it is the students and labourers who bear the brunt of these movements. However, the solution is not just political. The third language concept is not only a remedy for these political challenges but also an essential requirement for the holistic development of students in today’s globalised world. 1. Addressing Political Challenges through Language Integration Language pride has become a growing issue in India, with political movements often using it to create regional divides. The politicisation of language leads to social tensions, exclusion of non-native speakers, and sometimes even violence. For students and migrant laborers, such movements create a hostile ...

In every organisation, there are moments when individuals must choose between conformity with the group and standing up for what is right. The story of Yuyutsu, the lone Kaurava who sided with the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, offers timeless lessons on courage, moral clarity, and leadership in the workplace. The Context of Courage Yuyutsu was the son of Dhitrastra and maid of Gandhari named Sugandha. He was  born into Kauravas cam, yet he chose to oppose his brother Duryodhan during the Kurukshetra war because he believed in dharma, or righteousness. His decision was neither easy nor popular it meant facing ridicule, accusations of betrayal, and alienation from his family. Yet, Yuyutsu stood firm because he understood a fundamental truth that true loyalty lies in upholding principles, not blind allegiance to Kaurava.  Duryodhan’s team had many stalwarts like Bhishma, Dronacharya, Karna, Kripacharya, and Ashwatthama, who were renowned warriors and scholars. However, none of the...

In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas and Kauravas were given the same resources—prestigious teachers like Dronacharya and Kripacharya, and a royal upbringing under the Guidance of Bhishma and Vidur. Despite all these advantages, the Pandavas grew up to be virtuous, while the Kauravas, especially Duryodhana, were driven by greed, jealousy, and ambition. What made the difference? The answer lies in the parenting style of their parents, King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. What Went Wrong: Dhritarashtra, the King of Hastinapur, was blind, and out of empathy, Gandhari, his wife, decided to blindfold herself, sharing his suffering. While this was an act of great emotional sacrifice, it also meant that they were metaphorically blind to what their children were doing. The Kauravas, particularly Duryodhana, grew up without proper supervision, direction, or moral guidance from their parents. This lack of active involvement allowed their negative traits—greed, jealousy, and a hunger for power—...

At the age of 20, many of us feel invincible. Driven by dreams, ambition, and a desire for independence, we leave the comfort of home to carve out our place in the world. But as we approach 30, life’s realities begin to settle in, and the value of family and the warmth of home become more evident. No matter how far we go, the pull of returning home never truly fades. By the age of 40, we’re striving to build a home of our own—a space to create memories and nurture a family. At 50, that home becomes a sanctuary, each corner filled with traces of our hard work, love, and the stories we’ve built. By the age of 60, our greatest wish is to spend our remaining years in the peace and comfort of that home.  But what do we truly call “Home”? Is it our ancestral house, where our roots lie, or the new place we’ve built for ourselves in a bustling city? This question holds particular resonance for India’s migrant middle class. A Journey Between Roots and Dreams India’s middle class compri...

In Hinduism, before undertaking any significant task, a person first takes a vow (sankalpa) at an auspicious time. This isn’t just a ritual; it’s a powerful practice that strengthens one’s resolve and confidence. The sankalpa mantra declares the person’s  real identity, the exact time of the vow and exact location of the vow, and calls upon divine witnesses to strengthen the resolve: In sankalp mantra, earth, sky, water, sun, and other elements are called to witness the commitment, symbolizing how the entire universe aligns to support the goal. The Power and Importance of Sankalpa Taking a vow (sankalpa) is not a simple ritual; it’s a profound promise that focuses our mental and spiritual energy on our goal. In Hindu belief, this vow awakens one’s inner strength, making it possible to complete even the most difficult rituals and sacrifices. When we make a true sankalpa, natural forces are believed to align with us, helping us achieve our aims with greater ease. Example of Commitmen...

In life and in the workplace, success often comes through hard work, persistence, and the ability to remain focused until the task is truly completed. The story of Jayadratha from the Mahabharata serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of premature celebration and complacency. The Story of Jayadratha On the 13th day of the Mahabharata war, the Kauravas devised a plan to trap and kill Abhimanyu, the young and talented son of Arjuna. Using the Chakravyuha formation, a complex military strategy, they ensnared Abhimanyu, and despite his valor and skill, the Kauravas managed to defeat and kill him. Jayadratha, one of the key warriors on the Kaurava side, played a crucial role in blocking the Pandavas from rescuing Abhimanyu, effectively leading to the young hero’s death. Arjuna, devastated by the loss of his son, vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset on the following day. If he failed, Arjuna swore he would take his own life. Jayadratha, hearing this terrifying declaration, sou...