Prestige (Yasha) v/s Reputation (Kirti) …

Reading about the recent Indo-Pak aerial dogfight between the powerful
F-16 & the old Sukhoi reminds me of the classical aerial dog-fight narrated in the Ramayana.

‘Jattayu’ the old winged-bird despite knowing it is old, weak & may lose the battle against the mighty Ravana on his advanced aerial chariot, decides to fight & save Sita. This is despite Sita (realizing that Jattayu may die)urging him not to fight Ravana but only be a messenger & communicate to Rama.

In the dogfight that ensued between the two, Jattayu tells Ravana that being powerful, even if he wins ‘Yasha’ (Prestige), he will lose. And for itself, even if he loses the fight, he will win the battle (‘Kirti’) of perpetual reputation.

In the battle between Yash and Kirti, Leadership generally gets enamored by outward display … be it cognitive intelligence, physical strength or skills as it earns instantaneous PRESTIGE. But that is only momentary. After the passage of time, such external display is forgotten.

Leadership, therefore, should strive for +ve REPUTATION. This one earns by reflecting in action, ones strong ‘VALUES’ like self-righteousness, charity & selflessness.

Wisdom helps a Leader make the right choice between short-term ‘Prestige’ & long-term Reputation

Blog Credit – Mr Adil Malia.