In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya commencing an important explanation on the thirty-six important qualities of a leader. We’ve seen Bhishmachaarya being provided with Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha” to commence with the hallmark accord on “Raaja-Dharma”. As part of this broader discussion, we are currently witnessing this segment wherein Bhishmachaarya explains several qualities of a “Dhaarmika” leader. We’ve seen the first three of them in our previous episode, wherein Bhishmachaarya explains that even when the leader has to compulsorily be a “Dhaarmika”, it doesn’t mean that he would be a very reserved personality amidst people. A leader should exhibit warmth, love, affection towards everyone, while being a “Dhaarmika”. At the same time, a “Dhaarmika” leader should not be carried away by the “Sneham” (Love) from others by compromising on the “Dharma” that he / she has to perform. Hence, a fine balance between “Dharma” (Duties in this context) and “Sneham”.
Moving on further, Bhishmachaarya explains the next quality of a leader thus – “Anrushamschaschare artham”. So what does this mean? A leader should earn wealth (“Artham”). However, that earning should not be through the way of harassment of others. It should be through kindness and compassion. Of course, taxes are important to run a country in the legitimate way such that infrastructure and several other social schemes could be implemented for the people. However, while collecting the taxes from people, it should be done in a way that people voluntarily come forward and pay them. Rather, if the taxes are being collected by force or through extortion (Like how it is done today in India), people will lose interest in living here. In fact, this issue of “High taxes for nothing” in India is driving away several youth to other foreign countries in today’s context, and sadly not many people talk about it or recognize this! India is losing high quality talent, primarily because of lack of opportunities, an unreasonable “reservation system” wherein merit has no value in India, and also with enormously high taxes (Both direct and indirect)! Even though India collects high taxes from its citizens, do we enjoy world-class facilities? The answer is sadly a “No”! If such is the case, how are we going to retain talent in this country? This is a very important point that the government should give a thought about, and this is exactly what Bhishmachaarya says here too – Tax revenue is important, but at the same time, it should not become an extortion from people.
Next, Bhishmachaarya explains – “Chareth kaama anudritaha”. This is a very important point here. Bhishamchaarya explains that as a king, it is not wrong to experience desires, but should not cross the boundary. A leader should be responsible enough to know when and how desires should be experienced. This is what is lacking in today’s context. Especially in the Indian context, we’re witnessing politicians and bureaucrats across the length and breadth of the country, infamously known for corruption. Of course, earning money, experiencing the luxury that is derived out of it is not wrong – But at the cost of what? It should never be by looting public taxpayers’ money. But, are we realizing this today? Unfortunately, this is the sad state of affairs in India today, and this is the main reason why even after seventy-five years of freedom, we are still struggling as a country even for basic requirements like food, water, shelter, drainage facilities, basic road infrastructure, etc. To complement these corrupt political and bureaucratic systems, the judiciary also plays a very important role by not bringing any corrupt person to justice! These are ominous signs of a deteriorating and a rotten system pulling down a great country like ours and sadly not many of us understand this!
Hence for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue further with this important discussion of Bhishmachaarya! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 