know when to be tough

know when to be tough

समवृत्तिरुपैति मार्दवं समये यश्च तनोति तिग्मतां।

अधितिष्टति लोकमोजसा स विवस्वानिव मेधिनीपतिः॥

महाकवेः भारवेः किरतात्

samavṛttirupaiti mārdavaṁ samaye yasca tanoti tigmatāṁ|

adhitiṣṭati lokamojasā sa vivasvāniva medhinīpatiḥ||

mahākaveḥ bhāraveḥ kiratāt

A brave ruler remains calm, cool and composed and also behaves in a benign and soft manner during periods of peace and tranquility.

However when he has to face tough challenges from any quarter, he becomes really tough.

In this matter he sees as his model the great Sun who is very hot and tormenting in certain seasons like summer and is very benign during other seasons.

The softness or toughness of the mind at the right time,should come naturally to the efficient manager.

Generally we have a tendency to build up a certin image, either benign or tough.

In this process people go even out of the way to befriend (or making a show it ) all and the sundry.

This wonderful phenomenon can be seen in politicians especially during campaigns for vote.

When visiting the abodes of prospective voters, they perform all the acts of a clown including lifting naughty children who make it a point to urinate on the white dress of the caricature.

One the hustings are past they simply change their ways.

They are clowns no more, but are tyrants with no heart or qualms

But such play acting is not the topic of discussion in this slokam

The spontaneous behaviour of a great manager is illustrated here.

The manager has to shed softness and get into action however tough it is, when the call of duty beckons.

We see this great quality in the military forces world over.

They dance, sing and feast when the environs are nice but set out to offer the supreme sacrifice when duty calls.

( The quote comes from Kirataarjueeyam of poet Bharavi.. Bharavi is noted for the profundity of his thoughts)