Qualities of a leader of a nation
Despite the presence of dangerous animals, a jungle is a relatively peaceful place. Every animal instinctively knows its place in the pecking order and the unwritten law of the jungle is diligently followed. Animals of all shapes and sizes live in the jungle. Of all these creatures, the elephant stands out. It is big and strong. It is also a kind and gentle animal and does not have a cunning disposition. However, when it is necessary to show its strength it does not hold back.
Humans live in an urban jungle. Our “jungles” are not always peaceful, this is because the laws are not followed. Although an elephant can easily crush and kill smaller animals, it never wavers from its gentle ways just for pleasure. The graceful manner in which an elephant eats its food is illustrative of its gentle ways.
Creatures in a jungle come in all sizes, forms, and shapes but they follow one path, that of instinct. Humans beings are similar in outer form but internally each one wants to pursue his or her own path. This is perfectly acceptable as long as it does not impinge on the rights and liberties of others.
Since the mental proclivities are so diverse amongst people, we have come up with a common code of conduct which is enshrined in a nation’s constitution and later turned into laws and regulations. The central framework, which is a nation’s constitution remains unchanged. Laws are subject to change with times. The guardians of the constitution are the leaders of a nation who change even more frequently. Regardless of who is elected a leader of a nation, they must lead by example. The constitution is the keeper of a nation’s moral integrity. A leader who is the guardian of that moral integrity should be incorruptible.
A leader who focuses on unity, integrity, development, inclusiveness, and prosperity will reflect the words enshrined in the constitution of any democratic country. Our urban jungles can be made more peaceful and liveable if such a leader is elected to govern a nation. Like an elephant which is respected and not necessarily feared, a leader must win the respect of people and must avoid fostering fear consciousness in a country. Division follows fear and unity follows respect.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
March 11, 2019
Humans live in an urban jungle. Our “jungles” are not always peaceful, this is because the laws are not followed. Although an elephant can easily crush and kill smaller animals, it never wavers from its gentle ways just for pleasure. The graceful manner in which an elephant eats its food is illustrative of its gentle ways.
Creatures in a jungle come in all sizes, forms, and shapes but they follow one path, that of instinct. Humans beings are similar in outer form but internally each one wants to pursue his or her own path. This is perfectly acceptable as long as it does not impinge on the rights and liberties of others.
Since the mental proclivities are so diverse amongst people, we have come up with a common code of conduct which is enshrined in a nation’s constitution and later turned into laws and regulations. The central framework, which is a nation’s constitution remains unchanged. Laws are subject to change with times. The guardians of the constitution are the leaders of a nation who change even more frequently. Regardless of who is elected a leader of a nation, they must lead by example. The constitution is the keeper of a nation’s moral integrity. A leader who is the guardian of that moral integrity should be incorruptible.
A leader who focuses on unity, integrity, development, inclusiveness, and prosperity will reflect the words enshrined in the constitution of any democratic country. Our urban jungles can be made more peaceful and liveable if such a leader is elected to govern a nation. Like an elephant which is respected and not necessarily feared, a leader must win the respect of people and must avoid fostering fear consciousness in a country. Division follows fear and unity follows respect.
Blessings to all
Swami Ponnurangam
March 11, 2019
