5 Principles a Leader in the Country must follow in Politics – by Pujya Bhaishri at MIT School of Government

Pujya Bhaishri was at the Bhartiya Chhatra Sansad (Indian Student Parliament) organised by MIT School of Government in Pune on 18^th January 2019.

Speaking to students that gathered to attend the ongoing Indian Student Parliament with the aim of joining or serving politics, Pujya Bhaishri addresses both the individual governance and political governance that our scriptures speak of.

Through the lens of Dharma, Pujya Bhaishri has expounded upon the role and duties of a head of state in his address which is presented below.

Within this solar system, planet Earth is where we know life to exist in its fullest form. Within that, Man is God’s most intelligent creation and the greater the intelligence, the greater care with which that energy must be channelled in the right direction.

1. Dharma – with its code of conduct

Dharma has a set of ‘Do’s and Don’ts to guide us. This virtuous code of conduct is further composed of the following:

a) Those actions which we are enjoined to do. Speak the truth, practice Dharma, continue self-study, etc. These lead to merit which culminate in a concept of ‘heaven’.

b) Those actions that should be avoided at all costs. To not lie, not steal, not commit adultery, etc. These forbidden acts lead to sin which culminate in a concept of ‘hell’.

With the incentive of heaven and happiness plus the disincentive of hell and sorrow, Dharma seeks to Channel our energies upon the path of righteousness which culminates in peace. This is a system of self-governance followed by an individual for oneself.

2. Society- with its customs

Societal roles and customs will change and evolve with time as inspired to by the leading personalities of society.

If we wish to be a part of society, we must accept the customs of society otherwise face loss of reputation. The role of society in our life also leads us to develop our human potential in the right way. This is a system of governance that is based upon collective leadership that impacts the individual and society both.

3. State – with its laws and regulations

Each state and Government have their own laws and regulations which we must adhere to and be law-abiding citizens if we wish to thrive where we are.

Just as each householder is enjoined to perform 5 Yagyas on a daily basis- (Brahma Yagya, Dev Yagya, Manushya Yagya, Pitru Yagya and Bhoot Yagya), similarly, A King (Head of State) is also enjoined by the code of conduct for governance to perform 5 Yagyas.

What are these?

A beautiful verse explains them to be:

Druṣtasya danḍaḥ svajanasya pūjā, nyāyen kośasya hi vardhanaṃ ca;

Apakśapātaḥ nijarāṣtrarakśā, pancaiva dharmāḥ kathitāḥ nrupāṇām.

1. Firstly, the government in power must punish those individuals that break the law. Enforcing the law comes before any other duty to keep society in order.

2. Secondly, the government in power must recognize and felicitate those individuals that lead to the progress of the society.

3. Thirdly, to enrich the National treasury and economy in a just manner.

Ganapati is a large elephant but rides a small mouse in such a manner that it does not get crushed under his weight. Similarly, a leader must tax the nation in such a way that the public remains comfortable with his ruler ship. All governmental expenses are eventually borne by the public itself but it must be done in such a fair manner that public thrives and survives.

Just as we have a national bird, national song etc we have great need for a national God – the lack of which is showing in our governance.

If someone were to object that we are a secular society, how can we have a national God? I would say that we very much can and should for the God I speak of is secular, who is Lord Ganapati.

People do not understand what the symbolism behind Ganapati represents and thus do not understand the need for Him in our democratic and secular society!

What is the message conveyed in this so-called ‘elephant-headed God’? Why is it so valuable to our society?

We live in a democracy and thus we need a Ganapati (which simply means a leader) amongst individuals. Whoever is selected to play this role must possess the following qualities-

• Large ears- the leader must be able to listen to the voice of all. A leader is not obliged to agree with everyone but must possess ears like Ganapati that enable him to hear the views of all.

Our constitution grants each freedom of speech and just as each individual must take it upon oneself to exercise this right with thoughtful and careful speech, a leader must have the capacity to hear this free speech from all quarters. This freedom of speech must be protected and not taken away from anyone for a healthy society.

Voltaire famously expressed his views on tolerance for self-expression saying, ‘even if I do not agree with you, I stand with you to protect your right to freely express yourself’.

Democracy does not empower even a 100 people to band together and silence a single person’s opposing voice and nor should it! A leader must thus have large ears.

• Small Eyes- a leader should possess great foresight. Relative to the size of his face, an elephant’s eyes are small representing the far-sightedness that a leader should have.
• A Long nose- a leader must possess self-respect and be of reputable character. Secondly, he must have a developed sense of perception of what lies ahead.
• A large stomach – a leader must possess the ability to digest and withhold classified matters of national interest and security. Fully aware of all facts, he must be able to maintain confidentiality where needed.
• Seated upon a mouse- a leader must be driven by a great spirit of hard work and genuine effort. Ganapati represents knowledge and only when such knowledge is astride great effort, do wealth (Riddhi) and success (Siddhi) join in wedlock with him! National Development can certainly be achieved in such a manner.

4. Swift, accessible and fair justice system.

5. Courage – a leader must be willing to lay down his very life in the protection of National interests.