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What Modi can learn from Ravana

In the Indian epic Ramayana, the Lord of Lanka, Ravana is described as an excellent administrator under whom the kingdom flourishes. He rules over a city of gold. Many women, even some married ones, willingly give up their husbands and want to be with the sexually attractive ruler.

The prime minister today is the undisputed leader of the BJP. He is also known as an excellent administrator under whom the right wing party has flourished. From organising flamboyant events to a dressing style that is definitely stylish, including bandhgalas, designer pocket squares, to Nehru jackets and Modi kurtas, the prime minister's image is definitely seen by many as larger than life. Many allies have willingly given up their ideological positions in order to align with him.

When the battle between Rama and Ravana comes to an end, with Ravana breathing his last, Rama asks his younger brother to seek wisdom from Ravana. A dying Ravana tells Rama as Laxman listens - we discard that which is actually good for us and justify doing so. We are also easily attracted to things that are harmful or wrong and yet we make excuses for them.

Ravana was a larger-than-life figure, but a careful reading of one of the greatest epics will tell us that while Lanka did prosper under Ravana, he actually did not build the city of gold. He took it forcefully from his older brother against his wishes and banished him. Read more here.