Shashi Tharoor marked the Janmashtami festival by sharing his thoughts on how Indian leaders can draw inspiration from Lord Krishna. He used the opportunity to reflect on the lessons that could be learned from Krishna’s life and teachings, particularly in the context of politics. His reflections were based on the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and the Bhagavata Purana.
Tharoor focused on seven key principles. First, he emphasized the primacy of dharma, encouraging leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people and uphold righteousness. Next, he underscored the importance of strategic thinking and diplomacy, using Krishna’s attempts to avert war and his guidance to the Pandavas as examples. Tharoor called for leaders to engage in skilled negotiations and develop comprehensive national strategies.
He also highlighted the significance of strong leadership. He pointed to Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s charioteer, explaining that true leaders empower their teams and guide them to success without seeking personal acclaim. Tharoor then addressed the concept of selfless action, advocating that leaders should fulfill their duties without concern for personal gain, focusing instead on service. He noted that many politicians are more focused on personal benefit.
Tharoor also emphasized the need to understand human nature. He suggested that effective leaders must be keen observers of human behavior, allowing them to build strong teams and manage their opponents effectively. He highlighted the importance of public welfare, urging leaders to work for the benefit of all segments of society. Finally, Tharoor warned against the dangers of arrogance and adharma, using figures like Duryodhana to illustrate the consequences.
In conclusion, Tharoor encouraged politicians to integrate Krishna’s wisdom into their approach, focusing on service, strategic thinking, and social justice. He acknowledged that emulating Krishna fully is challenging, but the aspiration to follow his principles is worthwhile.
Digvijaya Singh responded to Tharoor’s post by extending his congratulations, applauding his insights, but also posing a critical question: whether Narendra Modi and Amit Shah would adhere to Krishna’s teachings, introducing a political undertone to the discussion.