Leadership: Part V

‘Ram Rajya is often extolled as an epitome of governance. What made Sri Ram a special king, VR?’ asked Maanav.‘Ram Rajya was special because its leadership was rooted in Dharma or righteousness. Even though it was a monarchy, the voice of the people mattered a lot to Sri Ram. He used to have a special council every night where he would ask his council members to report the state of affairs candidly. Sri Ram specifically asked for negative feedback since he knew that would be most difficult for his council members to share.’‘A leader willing to listen to negative feedback is very rare indeed.’‘Sri Ram would also keep the mood of this council light and informal so that they would not hesitate in speaking the truth.’‘I thought these were modern management principles, but it looks like our ancient kings didn't need a separate HR department!’.‘During one such council, a council member called Bhadra, reported that people were increasingly talking ill of Mother Sita’s character on account of her having stayed in Lanka for almost a year. They were also questioning Sri Ram’s integrity in accepting her back without hesitation. They were accusing Sri Ram of being attached to conjugal pleasures and placing that over Dharma. They also said that they, too, would have to follow his lead in abandoning Dharma!’‘Ah! Nasty gossip is also as ancient as the Ramayana itself! I am sure Sri Ram would have been deeply hurt over this!’‘He certainly was distraught on hearing such opinions among his people. He dismissed his council for the night and then, after some quiet deliberation, decided to send Sita Devi away from Ayodhya.’‘This part I have heard a lot about from my friends. No matter what you say, I think it was highly cruel of Sri Ram to send His pregnant wife into exile over some frivolous accusations! I feel it is hard indeed to justify such an act! I am curious to hear what you have to say on this, VR!’‘I can understand where you are coming from, Maanav. To understand this, we have to understand the weight of responsibility on Sri Ram’s shoulders as a leader. We also need to understand how Sri Ram, the husband, aligned with Sri Ram the king. Let's explore this further.’(To be continued…)

Leadership: Part V

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