Ideal Leadership

Chapter 21

When Prthu returned to the kingdom after the sacrifice, the citizens offered him a grand welcome. Prthu humbly accepted their service but was actually more concerned about serving them. The best leaders are servants at heart.

Once, Prthu initiated a great sacrifice which attracted an august and diverse assembly. He publicly declared his commitment to rule, protect and appropriately engage the citizens according to the system of Varnasrama. He sincerely encouraged everyone to give up material desires, fully embrace devotional service to the Supreme Lord, and serve the brahmanas and Vaisnavas. Prthu thus demonstrated how a real son is a putra, meaning ‘one who delivers the parents from hell.’ Just as Prahlada delivered the demoniac Hiranyakasipu, Prthu delivered the demoniac Vena.