Me, Myth & Management

Editor's Notes

• #3: Hanuman’s vanar sena, who build the bridge of rocks or Ramsetu from India to Lanka is a fine example of a well-managed group activity. For that matter if we talk about the various forts built in the history or the famous incredible Taj Mahal which even today is one of a kind would not have been possible without planning, organizing, staffing, controlling and directing i.e the functions of management. The wars which took place in those days showed the use of strategic planning and organisation structure to a great extent. The famous chakravyuh in Mahabharata, which Arjun’s son Abhimanyu attempted and also cleared 6 stages of it is one such example. It was way back when Henry Fayol or F.W Taylor was not even born let alone the principles of management laid down by them. Thus, we can say that even in those days also
• #5: India is one of the oldest civilizations of the world, with a great history of its own, a land of diverse culture, a land of wealth and wisdom, and abode of the God's. A nation whose might and spirituality, values and ethics knew no boundaries, which attracted people from all over the world to visit this land of treasures. We were one of the wealthiest nations in the world at one point of time, there was no problem of hunger and unemployment under the rule of Vedic 'Rajarishis' (Saintly Kings), nor was there heavy industrialization that created wasteful needs(Gosvami, 1977), in ancient Indian culture the king was considered to be the epitome of Justice and a combination of 'Raja' (King) and 'Rishi' (Saint) (Govindarajan, 2008), we always cite the example of Rama Rajya (Ramayana/ Ramacharitramanas), when we talk about effective governance. The Rig Veda          : The Book of MantraThe Sama Veda      : The Book of SongThe Yajur Veda       : The Book of RitualThe Atharva Veda  : The Book of Spell Each Veda consists of four parts – the Samhitas (hymns), the Brahmanas(rituals), the Aranyakas (theologies) and the Upanishads (philosophies).
• #7: An individuals values determine his perception of morality - of right and wrong, good and bad. Values are inculcated in individuals from early childhood by their socio-cultural environment. Families, school and religion play an important role in providing role models that children emulate. Another source of values is the stories to which children are exposed during their formative years. these stories often have stereotyped one-dimensional characters and a moral lesson. the “good” characters are rewarded and serve as role models, while the “bad” are punished for their wrong behavior, warning impressionable children of the consequences of inappropriate action. From time immemorial, vedic scriptures and Upanishads have inspired people to acquire knowledge and wisdom about management principles and practices. Great spiritual leaders like Adisankara believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Shiva, Shri Krishna, the reincarnation of Lord Mahavishnu ,Lord Buddha, Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa have  spoken of the infinite realities of life .
• #9: The Gita suggests two alternative approaches to deal with Dwanda or Dualities, Samattwa (i.e., treating the two as equal) and Nirdwandwa (i.e., transcending the dualities). The first approach suits the Bhakta and is called the Bhakti-Yoga while the second is for the Gyani and is called the Gyan-Yoga. The first approach is relatively easier.
• #10: Sukhasya Moolam Dharma, meaning that happiness stems from doing the right things; Dharmasya Moolam Artha, meaning that doing the right things (on a larger scale) requires wealth; Arthasya Moolam Raajyam, meaning that the means to wealth is a profitable enterprise.
• #11: The ultimate question that concerns people is whether Chanakya followed these ideals himself. It’s easier to write and teach than to actually practice oneself. Interestingly, Chanakya was a recluse. He was never married and, had no children. Many legends, including those critical of him, agree that he left the capital as soon as he found a credible prime minister for his disciple and new King – Chandragupta Maurya. Even when he stayed in the capital of Mauryas – Pataliputra (modern day Patna) – he lived in a shed like a hermit and never sought the luxuries of the palaces. While he wrote about the materialistic aspects of life, he lived as if a lotus in a dirty pond – untouched by the desires of life. It’s hard to comprehend a genius like Chanakya; but it’s even harder to understand the absolute qualities of selflessness, dedication and brilliance of this legend.
• #12: SWOT analysis is an integral part of the modern management in any organisation regardless of the size and the type of business activity. In Vidur Niti Udyog Parva of the epic Mahabharata, it is explained that any activity should begin with a clear understanding of the motive behind it. Not only objective, but also what the expected outcome would be and how it will contribute to our development should be Pre decided thus in short if decoded, ‘planning’. It was also mentioned that if the outcome of the activity is considerably high then it should be carried out at the earliest and this was in context to the Army and the strategic planning. Bhisma also addresses the Kuravas asking them to assess the strength and weaknesses of their army and only if they were convinced enough, then declare the war. Another instance to be mentioned here would be of Rama who instructed Laxman to assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy (Ravana) before declaring the war and not to undermine the enemy. He was also asked to be aware of the possible threats possessed by the enemy which could work against them
• #14: Wise conduct of life