Page 16 - The Indian EYE 031023

SPECIAL FEATURE MARCH 10, 2023 | The Indian Eye 16

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

Wisdom from the life and talks of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Pramukh Swami Maharaj

and Modern Management – Part 2

ramukh Swami Maharaj was a revered spiri- Mumbai. His father passed away when he was a
tual leader and the fifth spiritual guru of the child. Thereafter, Swamishri sponsored his edu-
PBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). He cational expenses and inspired values and talents
was known for his exceptional leadership qualities in him through the weekly satsang sabhas and ser-
and the ability to manage personal emotions while vices. Then, Swamishri encouraged and supported
dealing in the professional sphere. In this article, we him to study for the UPSC (Union Public Services
will delve deeper into his life and explore how his Commission) exams and serve the country. He
actions exemplify modern management principles. passed and got selected for the Indian Police Ser-
Marjan Bolmeijer, a renowned executive lead- vices (IPS). Thereafter, with the blessings of Swa-
ership consultant, emphasizes the importance of a mishri he was selected to attend a training course
CEO’s senior team in his organization in his article at the International Peacekeeping Police Force
“What It Takes to Be a CEO.” According to him, Summit in Italy. There, from amongst 150 officers
if a team works well together, it has a beneficial from around the world, Yashwant stood first in the
effect on the operational performance of the orga- training examinations.
nization. Additionally, he discusses the importance his works and services to others. Pramukh Swami Maharaj could inspire social
of managing personal emotions while dealing in It would not be wrong to say that Pramukh reforms, fulfil societal needs and influence human
the professional sphere. As an organizational lead- Swami Maharaj was a synonym of commitment and behavior for the ultimate betterment of the indi-
er, the CEO must be in an emotionally right place hard work. Even in his old age and ailing health, vidual and mankind.
and frame of mind so that employees can take he continued his untiring vicharan. When asked to In 1996, Swamishri was in Surendranagar.
their Emotional Quotient (EQ) from their leader. rest and stay in one place, he would say that when Due to the unfinished Narmada dam project, Gu-
Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified these his gurus Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj did jarat was reeling under a severe water shortage. At
principles in his actions during the Akshardham vicharan till their last breath, then how could he that time, during Swamishri’s 76th birthday cele-
attack in 2002. In spite of being deeply grieved, remain seated and not follow his gurus’ footsteps. bration assembly, he appealed to a large number
he remained calm and immediately prayed that His unremitting commitment and effort inspired of devotees to save a rupee a day and contribute
no further lives be lost and the situation be quick- his disciples to endeavor and promote the message to the government to enable it to complete the
ly brought under control. He then sent a group of of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and BAPS. project. Swamishri’s appeal had the desired effect
swamis to Gandhinagar to help and guide the po- In the context of empathy towards fellow be- and people started saving and contributing for the
lice and commandoes to defuse the situation. He ings, Swamishri’s actions spoke louder than any- successful completion of the dam. The dam was in-
also appealed for peace to the whole of Gujarat thing else. One such instance occurred in Sarang- augurated in September 2017.
and for no backlash to occur. After the attack was pur on 21 March 2009, when Swamishri phoned Another instance of Pramukh Swami Ma-
neutralized, he immediately went to Ahmedabad Atmaswarup Swami in New Delhi to know about haraj’s impact was seen during his birthday cel-
to meet the injured at the Civil Hospital. He visit- the hospital treatment report of Dr K.C. Patel’s ebration in 1989 in Bharuch, when he urged the
ed the places in Akshardham where the terrorists son. Not only did he ask about the well-being and mammoth gathering of youths to pledge not to
had unleashed mayhem and prayed for the solace arrangement of Dr Patel’s son but he also enquired take dowry as part of their marriage custom. Thus,
of those who had lost their lives or were injured. about the arrangements made by the mandir for his Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s impact, with reference
He also visited the spot where the terrorists had domestic needs and other things. Such was Swa- to social reforms, societal needs and transforming
died and prayed for their souls and that no one mishri’s heart, full of love and service for others. human behaviour, is evident from the incidents
would ever think of committing such a horrific act Another aspect about social competency is the mentioned.
anywhere in the world. Swamishri’s compassionate idea of developing others – to think and work in Thus, the way in which Swamishri execut-
act became popularly known as the ‘Akshardham the direction of developing others. ed and managed the BAPS can be assessed from
Response.’ On 13 December 2007, during the BAPS multiple management viewpoints. Swamishri’s life
Bolmeijer opines that a successful leader Centenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad, IPS offi- included three main aspects: worshipping Bhag-
needs to stock up on emotional intelligence. The cer Yashwant Jethva acknowledged Swamishri’s wan Swaminarayan, obeying his gurus Shastriji
diagram on the next page further breaks down the contribution and blessings for the success he had Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, and working for the
important aspects of emotional intelligence. Pra- attained to an audience of 300,000 devotees. He betterment of society.
mukh Swami Maharaj possessed the highest level narrated that being of poor means he stayed in a Gnanvatsaldas Swami
of emotional intelligence which was evident from hutment area during his childhood years in Malad, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

www.TheIndianEYE.com