On August 16th, a day after Independence Day, the festival of Janmashtami was celebrated across India. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reflected on the teachings of Lord Krishna and suggested lessons for Indian politicians and leaders. Tharoor highlighted key aspects of Krishna’s life and teachings from the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and the Bhagavata Purana, offering insights into leadership and governance.
Tharoor emphasized seven qualities of Lord Krishna and advised Indian leaders to learn from them. He stressed that the foremost duty should be the protection of dharma. He noted that leaders should prioritize the interests of the public over personal gains and make strong decisions for the betterment of society.
Tharoor also highlighted Lord Krishna’s skills as a strategist and diplomat, noting Krishna’s attempts to prevent the Mahabharata war through peaceful negotiations. Though unsuccessful, Krishna guided the Pandavas with military strategy, adapting his teachings to each individual’s needs, ultimately leading to victory. Leaders, according to Tharoor, must understand the importance of political thinking, engage in skilled dialogue with other parties and nations, and create long-term plans for national development, including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their own teams and the opposition.
Tharoor discussed the significance of strong leadership, pointing out that Krishna, instead of fighting, became Arjuna’s charioteer, demonstrating the qualities of a true leader. A true leader empowers their team and guides them to success, providing knowledge, direction, and support without seeking personal glory. He stated that leaders should focus on guiding and taking responsibility for the team’s direction.
Tharoor also referenced the concept of ‘Nishkam Karma’ (selfless action), as emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita, where one should perform their duty without worrying about the outcome. Leaders should work for the welfare of society without seeking power, fame, or wealth, with their motivation rooted in duty and service. Unfortunately, he added, many politicians are engaged in personal gains.
Tharoor noted Krishna’s deep understanding of human nature, from the righteous Yudhisthira to the arrogant Duryodhana, using this knowledge in his interactions. A good leader, Tharoor suggested, must be a keen observer of human nature, which helps in building a strong team and dealing with opponents effectively. He added that a good leader must also be a good listener, a quality rare among today’s politicians.
Tharoor explained that Lord Krishna performed well in every role, whether as a cowherd in Vrindavan or as a king in Dwarka, always working for the welfare of society. He emphasized that a politician’s primary job should be to work for the welfare of all sections of society, not just their voters or supporters. This includes building a just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to flourish, making social justice an essential goal of politics.
Tharoor pointed out that the life of Krishna warns against the downfall of those who are arrogant, choosing the path of adharma like Duryodhana. He advised leaders to be humble and restrained, as arrogance, misuse of power, and disrespect for the rule of law lead to a leader’s downfall, both politically and morally. True power, he asserted, lies not in force, but in knowledge, righteousness, and selfless service to the people.
Tharoor concluded his post by stating that people should try to imbibe Krishna’s wisdom in their politics, overcome their petty and selfish interests, learn to think strategically, empower their colleagues, focus more on doing the right thing and less on the benefits of their actions, learn to listen, prioritize social justice, and place service above their rights. He added that while not everyone can become a Krishna, they can learn to follow him.
Digvijaya Singh responded to Tharoor’s post, congratulating him and praising his views on the teachings of Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata, but also adding a remark. Singh questioned whether Narendra Modi and Amit Shah would follow these teachings, which was perceived as a subtle jab given the current dynamics within the Congress party regarding Tharoor.
