ASHOKA – THE IDEAL LEADER

History identifies human who have turned the stone, which have been left unturned. So, let us take time to look at a personality, who changed the life of his people, although his society or environment or literature insist different behaviour.

Our imagniation has to shift to 273 BC to 232 BC, during the reign of Ashoka, the Great. Unlike contemporary rulers of his land, he is not acclaimed for his achievement in land acquisition, but, for his acquisition of hearts of his fellowmen. His philosophy or attitude or character had left a mark in the heart of his men during his time, to resonate his ideals along the time dimension. Samrat Ashoka, the emporer of Mauryan dynastry, started ruling like his contemporary rulers and had a bloodthirst objective of conquering lands. But, after famous Kalinga war, which led to vast destruction of human life, he shifted towards adoption of buddhism, where blood shed or desire for earthly pleasure is regarded as sin.

As a follower of Bhuddism, his objective changed completely and he utilised his authority for the welfare of his country. Ashoka’s totally new and inspiring ideal of kingship was found in one of his edict, which dictates his nature or attitude towards his fellowmen: “All men are my children”, “whatever exertion I make, I strive only to discharge the debt that I owe to all living creatures.”
Under his leadership, the Mauryan administration grown from country-centered nature to people-centered nature. He initiated numerous welfare measures for humans and beast. He promoted laws which uplift social and economic security. He propogated Bhuddism religion, not as a medium of self-expression, but for universal welfare. He discouraged social ceremonies, since, it entertained social rivalry. He destoryed Varna divison system of caste and implemented laws for abolishing superstitious beliefs.

Rightly, mighty Ashoka can be called as an Ideal Leader, whose ideals are to be inculcated in our life. “Many humans born and die, but, he who lives for others, never dies,” so explains the life of Ashoka.