A STRONG WILLED LEADER

From the Himalayas to the oceans of the Indian subcontinent, the vast lands could be integrated only by a person having iron will and the valor of a warrior. Though Chanakya looked like a simpleton, he had the audacity to command empires to become part of the country. He threatened them of dire consequences if they didn’t comply to his views. He often inspired Chanragupta by saying, " From the Himalayas to the oceans, India must be integrated into one single unit. If the Magadh dynasty is not fit to rule the country, then its place will be taken by somebody else. The ruler is a very small entity in front of the interests of the nation. My intentions are very clear. Whosoever comes in the way of my interests will be uprooted forever and I’ll never fell ashamed of doing such a thing." The mammoth task of the unification of the country was simplified and easily achieved only because of the will power of Chanakya. He envisioned a country which has the harmonious co-existence of the different cultures and communities of different religion in a peaceful manner. After the ravages of the foreign invasion and loot, Chanakya instilled confidence amongst the rulers and people with his clarity of thought and sheer will power.

Chanakya’s views and thoughts were way ahead of his time. He was very thoughtful by nature. He knew what he wanted to do in life. His philosophies are world famous because of there clarity and simplicity in dealing with complex issues. Some of his views are enlisted below to show their validity even in today’s world.

1. ‘Until and unless the citizens of the country follow their duties, the state can never progress.’
2. ‘To have control on one’s desires and sense organs is not only essential for the king but also for the common man.’
3. ‘Cardinal pleasures should be enjoyed but within limits. All pleasures are harmless if they do not stand against the interests of religion or economy.’
4. ‘When order and religion of the country is threatened, the sages should stop their meditation and come out to restore order in the society.’
5. ‘Freedom can never be achieved without sacrifice.’
6. ‘On the line of duty, neither the master nor any kind of relationship should hinder the doer.’
7. ‘To be afraid of defeat is a deed fit for a coward.’
8. ‘A king should be one who has taken birth in a noble family. He should have control on his senses, should be religious by nature, one who has a great cause in life and a person with unmatched valor and high intellect. He should be obedient to his teachers and elders. A king should never be an autocrat; he should work in close coordination with the council of ministers.’
9. ‘To achieve social goals, it is needed of an individual to forgo personal interests.’
10. ‘King is only the "flag" of the country. As the flag is only an identity, the king represents the country and should never think of the country as his property.’
11. ‘Politics is not for people who have desires for the material world. In politics "sacrifice" is the key word. Politics is a game in which one has to sacrifice ones life, wife, children, family, personal goals and everything that belongs to oneself.’
12. ‘Public rage is the most ferocious of all. All the might of the king and army is rendered useless in front of public outrage.’