Every so often in our professional journey, we cross paths with individuals whose wisdom leaves a lasting impact. For me, that beacon of guidance shone brightly during my time at Satyam, where I was privileged to learn from a mentor whose teachings went beyond the usual.
Central to his teachings was the principle that ‘respect is earned, not demanded.’ In a world where titles and positions often overshadow genuine merit, this lesson was a grounding force. It underscored that in the realm of business, especially in the unique dynamics of proprietor-driven firms, it’s one’s character, competence, and conduct that truly command respect. This insight was invaluable, reminding me that while titles might offer authority, genuine respect is a byproduct of consistent actions and unwavering integrity.
Equally impactful was the lesson on ‘walking the talk.’ Authenticity is a cornerstone of effective leadership, and my mentor embodied this through and through. I vividly recall moments when, despite his seniority, he would engage with colleagues with the same attentiveness and respect as he would with top-tier clients. This wasn’t a practiced routine; it was a genuine reflection of his belief in the intrinsic value of every interaction. Such humility served as a daily reminder that leadership isn’t about elevating oneself but about lifting others, prioritizing the collective goal over individual accolades.
These insights have profoundly shaped my approach to leadership, instilling in me values that I carry and champion to this day. They serve as timeless reminders that true leadership is less about the position one holds and more about the positive influence one imparts.
In a world awash with varying definitions of leadership, it’s these foundational lessons that stand the test of time, guiding professionals like me in our quest to lead with authenticity and impact.
The movie ‘Kurukshetram’ (1977) is a mixed bag. On one hand, it encapsulates a condensed version of the epic Mahabharata, which is commendable. The film successfully portrays significant events from the Mahabharata, such as the division of the kingdom, Subhadra and Arjuna’s marriage, the Rajasuya sacrifice, and the great battle of Kurukshetra. The director, Kamalakara Kameswara Rao, deserves credit for bringing these key episodes to life.
However, despite its ambitious scope, ‘Kurukshetram’ failed to click at the box office. It struggled to attract audiences and gain commercial success. Interestingly, another film titled ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’ was released at the same time and turned out to be a hit. This contrast in reception highlights the challenges faced by ‘Kurukshetram’ in capturing the audience’s attention and interest.
While ‘Kurukshetram’ may have fallen short in terms of box office success, it still holds value for its attempt to condense the vast narrative of the Mahabharata into a single film. It serves as a visual representation of the epic, allowing viewers to witness key moments and episodes from this ancient tale. For enthusiasts of the Mahabharata, ‘Kurukshetram’ can be an intriguing watch despite its commercial shortcomings.
In terms of the Mahabharata parvas, ‘Kurukshetram’ primarily focuses on the Adi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Udyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, and Sauptika Parva. These parvas encompass the major events leading up to and during the Kurukshetra war. However, it’s worth noting that the film does not delve into the other parvas, such as Virata Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, and so on. This selective approach may have contributed to the film’s lackluster performance at the box office.
No.
Mahabharata Adhyayas/Parvas
Summary
Highlights
‘Kurukshetram’ Movie Plot Aspects
1
Adi Parva
The Adi Parva introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the grand narrative, including the birth and early life of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Main characters introduction, Birth of Pandavas and Kauravas
Subhadra Arjuna Kalyanam (Marriage)
2
Sabha Parva
Sabha Parva revolves around the royal assembly, showcasing the dice game that leads to the Pandavas’ exile.
Dice game, Pandavas’ exile, Rajasuya Sacrifice
Division of kingdom, Rajasuya Yagnam (Rajasuya Sacrifice), Dice game
3
Vana Parva
Vana Parva narrates the twelve-year exile of the Pandavas in the forest following the dice game.
Twelve-year exile, Forest life
Pandava Exile
4
Virata Parva
Virata Parva covers the year the Pandavas spend incognito, serving the royal family of Virata.
Incognito year, Service to Virata
None
5
Udyoga Parva
Udyoga Parva portrays the preparations for the great war of Kurukshetra, with various attempts at negotiations and alliances.
War preparations, Negotiations, Alliances
None
6
Bhishma Parva
Bhishma Parva unfolds the first ten days of the war of Kurukshetra, focusing on Bhishma’s leadership in the battle.
First ten days of war, Bhishma’s leadership
Initial stages of Kirukshetra war
7
Drona Parva
Drona Parva centers on the next fifteen days of war under the command of Drona.
Fifteen days of war, Drona’s command
None
8
Karna Parva
Karna Parva delves into the two days of war led by Karna, and his eventual fall.
Two days of war, Karna’s fall
None
9
Shalya Parva
Shalya Parva encapsulates the last days of war, leading to the demise of most key warriors.
Last days of war, Demise of warriors
None
10
Sauptika Parva
Sauptika Parva recounts the night raid by Ashwatthama, leading to the massacre of the remaining Pandava army.
Night raid, Ashwatthama’s massacre
None
11
Stri Parva
Stri Parva mourns the dead and reflects on the consequences of war through the eyes of the bereaved women.
Mourning the dead, Consequences of war
None
12
Shanti Parva
Shanti Parva is a discourse of peace, with Bhishma providing insights on dharma and governance on his deathbed.
Discourse of peace, Bhishma’s insights
None
13
Anushasana Parva
Anushasana Parva continues with Bhishma’s discourses on various subjects until his passing.
Continued discourses, Bhishma’s passing
None
14
Ashwamedhika Parva
Ashwamedhika Parva describes the Ashwamedha sacrifice conducted by Yudhishthira to atone for the war’s sins.
Ashwamedha sacrifice, Atonement
None
15
Ashramavasika Parva
Ashramavasika Parva narrates the later life of the Pandavas and Dhritarashtra’s retirement to the forest.
Later life, Dhritarashtra’s retirement
None
16
Mausala Parva
Mausala Parva depicts the later days and the eventual demise of Krishna.
Later days, Demise of Krishna
None
17
Mahaprasthanika Parva
Mahaprasthanika Parva narrates the Pandavas’ final journey towards the Himalayas and their ascent to heaven.
Final journey, Ascent to heaven
None
18
Swargarohanika Parva
Swargarohanika Parva concludes the epic with the Pandavas’ ascent to heaven and the eternal dharma’s restoration.
“What if someone had to pay for each word we spoke, much like the character played by Rajendra Prasad in the comedy film ‘Ahana Pellanta,’ directed by Jandhyala? In the movie, the character humorously demands payment for speaking, citing the use of his vocal cords as the reason. If we were to adopt a similar approach, where we had to pay to listen and others had to pay to speak to us, would our conversations become more meaningful? This thought experiment raises the question of how much we truly value our words and the act of communicating.”
The laughter generated by Rajendra Prasad’s character sets the stage for a captivating thought experiment. What if each syllable leaving our lips was a line item on an invoice? Sounds absurd, right? But like all intriguing questions, it opens up a landscape of fascinating insights, especially when examined through the lens of entrepreneurship and conviction.
The Business of Words: A New Entrepreneurial Frontier
Imagine you are a startup founder, walking into a boardroom full of venture capitalists. You’re equipped not just with a pitch deck but also with a “verbal budget.”
Dialogue:
Investor: “So, tell me about your startup’s unique selling proposition.”
Founder: “Innovative tech. High ROI. Scalable.”
Investor: “Just three phrases? Is brevity the soul of your business model, too?”
Founder: “When words cost money, brevity becomes an asset.”
In this alternate universe, the art of communication turns into an economic game. Your pitch isn’t just about articulating your vision; it’s about doing so in the most cost-effective manner. It’s not about verbosity; it’s about value. And let’s not forget, in such a world, the words you choose to invest in say as much about your conviction as the dollars you put into your venture.
Challenges & Triumphs: The Winners and Losers in the Word Economy
Think of this paradigm shift as a sort of “verbal Darwinism.” Only the most efficient would survive, like a linguistic version of natural selection.
But what would be the societal costs? How many would fail, not for lack of ideas, but for lack of economical articulation? On the flip side, would this scarcity create a more purposeful engagement, a new breed of entrepreneurs who aren’t just tech-savvy but also “word-wise”?
Picture Steve Jobs in this world. Would his iconic “Stay hungry, stay foolish” have the same resonance if each word had a dollar value attached to it? Or would the weight of the cost make the message even more compelling?
From Thought Experiment to Real-World Reflection
We started with a humorous anecdote from a comedy film and transitioned into a deep, multi-faceted exploration of language and value. So, what can we glean from this conceptual voyage as we return to our current reality where words are free but still hold immense power?
Firstly, the ability to adapt is key. Our world is constantly changing, and whether it’s emerging technologies or fluctuating market conditions, the key to enduring success is the ability to adapt.
Secondly, it’s an invitation to introspect on how we currently “spend” our words. Are we investing them in things that matter? Are our conversations reflective of our priorities, our convictions?
Conclusion: The Future of Our Words
As outlandish as it may seem, the idea of paying for words serves as a compelling framework to evaluate the weight and worth of what we say and hear. It reminds us that words, like any other resource, should be managed wisely. It propels us to be more intentional, more economical, and ultimately, more authentic in how we express ourselves.
So, in a world where expressions are still free, will you hoard your words or invest them wisely? The value of your words, much like your actions, shapes the world you live in. Choose wisely.
