In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya continuing with his lengthy accord on the “Raaja-Dharma”, within which he is currently talking on the “Aapad-Dharma”. Here, we’ve witnessed a detailed accord on “Mithra” (Friendship), wherein Bhishmachaarya is explaining for the past few episodes as to how a leader should decide whom to trust and whom not to. This is an extremely important discussion going on here, both in terms of Yudishtra’s “Raajya-Paripaalanam” (Administration), and also in terms of modern-day leadership and management. Moreover, Bhishmachaarya is explaining about “Delegation” of authority / tasks amongst people – How to delegate? To whom should we delegate? How many people should be delegated a task? These are the questions that Bhishmachaarya is answering here. Yesterday, we witnessed Bhishmachaarya explaining that while delegation should be done for an overall task only to a single person, sub-tasks within the main tasks can be delegated to several other people. However, the control for the entire main task to be executed, should lie within the ambit of the leader, because obtaining accountability for the progress of work is easier this way.
Moving on further, Yudishtra asks thus, Oh Bhishmachaarya! So far you’ve explained a lot pertaining to characteristics of a king, friendship, trust, delegation of authority, etc. I’m now interested in understanding what is “Ganatantra-Raajyam”. I’ve heard in this type of administration that people can be empowered to become rulers themselves. How can this be possible? When can it happen? Can you explain this in detail?” This is a very important question that Yudishtra is asking. Before we go into Bhishmachaarya’s important answer, we shall first understand what is “Ganatantra-Raajyam”. In today’s terms, we can translate this into “Democracy” – “For the people, of the people and by the people”! In other words, people selecting their leader, people taking accountability for whatever is happening, and people deciding who should represent them. We can see this democracy being followed in our Bhaarata Desam” today, and also in several other countries across the world.
So, Yudishtra’s question here is very simple – “If people have to be empowered to be leaders, what kind of understanding should people have? What kind of a culture should people possess, so that they can be efficient leaders? If there are leaders within several segments of people – Both in professional and personal spaces, how should these leaders behave? In turn, these leaders should be ably and efficiently guided by learned “Panditas” (Scholars), isn’t it? So how should these “Panditas” behave? What should be the qualities of these “Panditas”?” Only if people are cultured and disciplined in a country, will democracy flourish. Only if the leaders within several circles of people in the country are disciplined and principled, will democracy flourish. Leaders at various levels in a democracy should be selfless and should devote their time and work towards the benefit of people. At the same time, only if leaders listen to the “Panditas” for obtaining important knowledge and guidance, will they be able to prosper. Similarly, only if the “Panditas” are ably qualified and only when they provide apt guidance to the leaders, will democracy flourish!
Whereas, if people are uncivilized and uncaring, the entire fabric of “Democracy” will start crumbling! We can see this in India today – The main reason why corruption is going unchecked in India at several levels is because, people are completely aloof and unaware of what is going on in the leadership circles. People are completely not vigilant about what is happening, and this is why leaders at several levels take this as an opportunity to loot money and wealth. Because these leaders are corrupt in nature, administration is coming to a complete standstill. We can illustrate this ignorance of people of India through an example – Whenever a new bus or a train set is introduced by the government for the purpose of public transport, are we able to maintain it with utmost cleanliness? Rather than maintaining these public properties well, we as people are more interested in spoiling them. It brings tears to my eyes to see public property like buses, trains, etc. being destroyed and burnt down by angry mobs in the name of protests! Little do we realize that these public properties come out of our own taxpayers’ money. If we’re destroying these public properties, we are wasting our own money! As people, are we realizing this simple thing? If there is widespread corruption, are we having the guts to stand up and question? Are we standing up and questioning our politicians and useless bureaucrats who are looting our taxpayers’ money and leading a luxurious life at the expense of our wealth? None of these are happening in India, isn’t it? Hence, given this case, it is evident that we as a society in India are still uncultured and uncivilized even after 75 years of independence! Hence, is “Democracy” really a valid form of governance for India? This is something that all of us as Indians need to think and introspect.
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness Bhishmachaarya’s important answer on “Democracy”, not only to Yudishtra, but also to all of us who still chest-thump about being a part of a “Democratic Republic”! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 