The Significance of Shivaji Jayanti: What we can learn about Leadership
यथाशक्ति चिकीर्षन्ति यथाशक्ति च कुर्वते। न किंचिदवमन्यन्ते पण्डिता भरतर्षभ।। Vidur Neeti 21।।
“Aspiring to accomplish as high as their capacity, and then (actually) acting to the best of their ability, also not disregarding anyone or anything as insignificant, such indeed are the wise!”
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, as we know, is the birth anniversary of one of Bhaarat’s greatest heroes – Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated on February 19 every year, in honour of the founder of the Maratha Kingdom. This year marks the 394th birth anniversary of the great Maratha. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was started by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1870 in Pune. Shivaji Jayanti was taken forward by an esteemed freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak who brought the contributions of Shivaji Maharaj into light and inspired people by highlighting the image of Shivaji Maharaj.
Shivaji was one of the bravest and most progressive Leaders of Bhaaart – whose aspiration to create Hindvi Swaraj, to rid India of the invaders, was created at a very tender age. With tremendous self belief, he worked tirelessly all his life but more importantly, he was a master of Strategy and also epitomised all that Kautilya (Chanakya) envisaged for the King, in his masterpiece “Arthashaastra” (as also Vidur Neeti).
However, let’s learn about the important segments of performing action outlined here.
1. The Leader Must be a visionary who always thinks far and big (Doordirgh drushti), thus creating an ambitious vision
Shivajiraje communicated his vision tirelessly to everyone who believed in him. Raje did not just dream of establishing Swaraj but rather of the highest good of all living beings, for a sustained period of time – The Maratha rule continued for over 150 years. His care was not limited to humans, but for animals and other sentient beings too. He was not thinking only for Maharashtra, but for all of Bhaarat. And all of this, with the greatest humility and grace, which endeared him to all
2. He/ she should leave no stone unturned in making that purpose manifest – no half measures, in commitment or resources will do.
Shivaji Maharaj is set to have been named after the local Goddess Shivai, who blessed his mother Jijabai, by fulfilling her prayers for a son. His father was Shahaji, who was in the service of Adilshahi largely and performed many brave missions, but was not a regent himself. But Raje never let that stop him from challenging the authority of Adilshahi itself. Shivaji Maharaj, known for his valour, strategy and warfare tactics, rendered all his enemies frustrated and weak (there were atleast 6 such major and minor foreign rulers then) at some time or the other. He played a significant role in uniting the Maratha chiefs of the Maval, Konkan, and Desh regions.
3. As a principle, the Leader should never disregard the abilities of adversaries nor undermine the capacities of one’s allies
Rather than imagining or guessing about the enemies, Raje used Neetishaastra to study the entire ecosystem closely. This was done through personal experience, through secret agents as well as through well established accounts. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of not just the enemy kings, but also about their deputies, their subjects, their forts, their treasury, their army and even their allies. Most of all, Shivaji Raje had a very high degree of self-awareness. All of this enabled him to strategize perfectly – leveraging one’s strengths and exploiting enemy weaknesses. At most times, even the Mughal emperor was left guessing as to what Raje would so next! The historic escape from captivity at Agra is a phenomenal case study of stealth and the incredible deception of the enemy.
4. The Leader therefore accords equal respect, perhaps even more, to those, who may be perceived as weaker, for eg. Women
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great believer in protecting the rights of women. He introduced strict laws to protect their honor and dignity. Under his rule, it was strictly forbidden for anyone to dishonor or disrespect women. The punishment for any such offense was very severe. His soldiers and officers were strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of womanising, and they were not allowed to imprison women. Whether his admiration for Hirakani or the respect for the captured wife of a vanquished enemy, this has been widely documented.
5. Lastly, he/ she should anticipate all kinds of obstacles and plan for excellence, counsels the Master!
Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery and intellect will always cease to amaze and inspire people. But most of all, his mastery over execution needs to be emulated the most. His impeccable planning for finishing off the mighty Afzal Khan or for the raid of the Mughal treasury at Surat, are sterling examples of the same. Shivaji was a great patriot. (For eg, who promoted the use of the regional languages like Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration and ditched the usual language of his time, Persian). The birthday of Shivaji Maharaj marks an opportunity to remember his significant role in uniting much of the Nation, using Arthashaastra. The coronation of Shivaji Maharaj as the Chhatrapati took place at the Raigad fort in 1674.
Wish you all the best – to study and practise the Life and Leadership Lessons learnt from the Life of the great Shrimaan Yogi! Chhatrapati Shivajiraje ki Jai!