Sustainable Leadership 1-on-1 by Shree Rāmā
When we think of timeless leadership, the name that rises like the sun across the ages is Shree Rāmā — the embodiment of dharma, discipline, and dignity. In an era where leadership is increasingly being redefined, Rāmā’s vision continues to offer clarity, courage, and compassion.
At the heart of his leadership philosophy lies a profound model of sustainability — not just environmental, but ethical, social, administrative, and spiritual. This isn’t just about running a kingdom. It’s about upholding the fabric of civilization itself.
The Six Pillars of a Sustainable Leader
A true leader, according to the Rāmāyaṇa, isn't defined by control, but by character. Shree Rāmā’s leadership blueprint identifies six timeless qualities:
🟡 Rājā R̥ṣi (King-Sage)
A leader who rules not from ego, but with inner wisdom and spiritual grounding.
🟤 Dharmādhipati (Upholder of Dharma)
One who ensures every action, law, and policy aligns with righteousness.
🟢 Lokapāla (Protector of the People)
A guardian of welfare — economically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
⚖️ Nyāya-Dhārin (Bearer of Justice)
Justice not delayed, not distorted. Equity for all, accountability for those in power.
🧎♂️ Sākṣāt Sevaka (Servant-Leader)
Power exercised with humility. Authority rooted in service to the people.
🫂 Sāmājika Rākṣaka (Social Guardian)
Champion of the vulnerable: women, children, elderly, artisans, and refugees.
Shree Rāmā’s 25 Questions: A Dharmic Leadership Checklist
When Bharata comes to convince Rāmā to return to the throne, Rāmā doesn’t ask about politics or power. Instead, he asks 25 deeply reflective questions — each one a mirror for any leader, even today.
These are not just questions. They are principles — a governance guide far ahead of its time.
1. Are you acting accordance with our fathers’ guidance?
2. Are you respectful and praying to Vashishta Acharyar (all gurus) and our mothers?
3. Are you performing all your kingly duties appropriately, ethically, and thoroughly?
4. Do you have learned (well educated/qualified) people as ministers in your court? AND do you listen to their advice?
5. Are your ministers also well-versed in psychology?
6. Are you making sure that you do not sleep too much/ensuring that you get up early morning?
7. Are you thinking about our country and its people before you go to bed?
8. Are you ensuring that sensitive data/secrets relating to the kingdom doesn’t get out?
9. Are you ensuring that your plans see through the execution stage and reach their respective finish lines as drafted by you?
10. Are your employees able to perform their activities appropriately?
11. Are you providing the appropriate punishment to the appropriate individual (who has committed a crime) at the appropriate time? (Justice delayed is Justice denied)
12. Are you ensuring that your subjects are not struggling to survive in the country due to inappropriate levels of taxes?
13. Have you appointed brave and strong leaders as your army commanders?
14. Are you paying the salaries appropriately to all your employees?
15. Are you the preferred and liked subject by all the learned people in our society?
16. Are you appointing informers to go to all the neighboring lands and collecting all necessary intel?
17. Are you providing food and shelters to the refugees that come to our country?
18. Are you ensuring that you do not have fickle minded people around you?
19. Are your subjects (people of the country) satisfied with your leadership?
20. Are you protecting your subjects (people of the country) from any type of natural or unnatural calamities?
21. Are you respecting women?
22. Are your subjects (people of the country) easily able to reach out to you?
23. Is our country’s income exceeding its expenditure?
24. Are you providing unbiased justice to all your subjects?
25. Are you providing special protection to poets (artisans), children, elderly and women?