In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhishmachaarya’s all-important accord on the thirty-six qualities of a leader. In this, we’ve witnessed around nine qualities and in yesterday’s episode, we had seen how a leader should be extremely powerful, but at the same time, he / she shouldn’t boast about it. In other words, power should be shown through actions and not through words. Subsequently, we’ve also seen how a leader should be an epitome of “Dhaanam”, but again, there is a catch here – “Dhaanam” should be performed only to those who deserve it. It should not make someone lazy. If a person is for instance, handicapped, homeless, destituted, etc. then of course, giving “Dhaanam” to such people is welcome. However, if a person is not having any of the above characteristics, and his only job is to sit and eat without working, “Dhaanam” should not be given to him. If we do so, it is only going to make him more lazy, and with whatever he gets, he is going to go to the liquor shop (in many cases) and waste the resources that are given to him. This is why Bhishmachaarya is very categorical here in explaining the pro’s and con’s of every aspect of “Dharma” that we are seeing here.
Next, moving ahead, Bhishmachaarya explains about a very important quality – “Pragalbha”. This term means being extremely smart and well-informed of what is happening around. This is an extremely important quality that a leader should have. A leader should not only be well-read (“Panditaha”), but also be a “Pragalba” (well-informed). There is a subtle difference between the two. Some people might be well-read. They might be great scholars in their respective domains. However, they might not be smart enough to apply their knowledge in practical life. Thus, a leader should have both – Knowledge and application. This combination makes a leader very smart and astute in whatever decisions he / she is making. While Bhishmachaarya is saying this, as usual, he puts a word of caution too along with it. Bhishmachaarya says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You have to be a “Pragalba”, but at the same time, you should not use your scholarliness and smartness to cheat others and take them for a ride!” Now this is extremely important. We are seeing this happening in our present day as well – Several people who are intelligent and well-read, tend to use their knowledge and smartness in the wrong ways to exploit others. We are seeing politicians and bureaucrats who are corrupt in nature. Aren’t they well-educated and smart? If we’ve to become a bureaucrat in government circles and become responsible for policy decisions, it is not easy. Clearing the Civil Services examination (IAS) isn’t an easy task by any means! Only those who excel in their academics and also in their smart-thinking can crack such difficult examinations. But having done that, how many of these bureaucrats work genuinely for the welfare of the people? Only a handful! The only reason behind India still being under-developed in many walks of life is because of the gross corruption and misuse of power by these politicians and bureaucrats at several levels!
This is gross “Adharma” and this is exactly why Bhishmachaarya is cautioning Yudishtra here. Obtaining more and more education / knowledge should make a person more and more humble and grounded! This is the true value of education. Next, Bhishmachaarya explains – “Sandathicha anaaryai” – Here, Bhishamchaarya continues from his previous point – “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve to be friends with everyone and maintain a good working relationship. But at the same time, you should ensure that this friendship doesn’t extend towards people who are “Adharmic” in nature!” This is also a point wherein many of us go wrong! In fact, in the same Mahabharata story itself, why did Karna meet such an unfortunate demise? We’ve analyzed this earlier as well – Karna was an epitome of “Dharma” in several ways. However, his bad companionship (with Duryodhana) led to his downfall. Bad friendship / companionship has the potential to completely ruin all the effects of “Dharma Kaaryam” that we perform! Hence, as a leader, it is very important that we maintain good personal / working relationships, but only with those who follow the path of “Dharma”.
So for today, let us ponder upon these two important pointers spoken by Bhishmachaarya and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 