Managers as Children part 1 - Mothers of Ramayana

Kaushalya, Sumitra & Kaykei at the birth of their sons - Sadvani.com

My last post was about the subconscious, self-sabotaging relationship, Indian Government seems to have with India Inc. This two-part post is also about the subconscious. This first one, is about the possible, subconscious, maternal influence that shapes their manager children.

There is increasing research on the influence of mothering on children – well into adulthood. There are established linkages with adult anxiety, depression, and even crime! Dove’s ‘legacy’ campaign has already explored how mothers pass on their own body image issues to their daughters.

Indic thinking does call mothers the first teacher. Possibly, because her teaching of ‘sanskaars’ or values is believed to start in the womb itself. Pregnant women are still asked to read religious or spiritual texts for the benefit of the child still in the womb (before Baby Einstein, epigenetics, or parental conditioning studies). The story of Abhimanyu learning how to enter the military formation (Chakraviyuah), while still in his mother’s womb, was recently revised with Mahabharat re-run in lockdown (this is not a case for a medically advanced Indic past).

The mothers I want to focus on are little mentioned mothers of Ramayan - mothers of the four princes. As in most Indic tales, I realised even these three mothers were symbolic – like early archetypes. Here is my attempt to make you see them through my spectacles – 

Kaushalya – chief consort, princess from Kosala (Orissa). From a long lineage of rulers, she was brought up to be a queen – learnt statesmanship, administration, public welfare, among other talents.

The wife - was the queen Dashrath 'respected' the most and consulted on matters of governance. A woman of principles and duty, she continued to be a dutiful wife to the dying king even after he exiled Ram to the forest.

The mother – passed her qualities to son Ram, who later personified the spirit of principles, duty and honour – questionably to a fault!

Son Ram – upholder of rules, law, duty and morality, even at the cost of personal happiness.

Manager Ram – possibly the sombre ‘patriarch’ with a limited sense of humour (if any). He believes people in office are paid to work and should do just that. Dislikes people taking too many breaks. Feels working from home is a scam and an excuse for employees to play hooky. Expects, and holds others up to the same standards of work, dedication and delivery as himself. Work-life balance is just new age ‘mumbo-jumbo’ he tolerates. Home is a place to sleep and change clothes.

Kaikeyi – princess from Keykaya (Western Punjab region) was believed to come from a newer lineage of warrior kings. Given her own childhood environment, she was an expert at war-craft, weaponry, strategy and politics.

The wife - the kings 'love', sweet natured, she was also probably the diva (no sexist offence meant) known for her formidable tantrums. She also often accompanied the king on military campaigns and even saved his life in a battle which begot her the two ill-fated boons she cashed at a strategic time.

The mother – passed her nature to son Bharat - strong will, political and military acumen. She frequently sent her son to her maternal kingdom for grooming.

Son Bharat – imbibed his mother’s temperament, he flew into a fit of rage at his mother’s political manipulation. Strongly condemns her, and apparently refused to forgive, or speak to her for the duration of Ram’s exile. He further displayed his own political and military acumen as acting regent for his elder brother until his return.

Manager Bharat – is probably the office ‘politician/diplomat’ – sharply turned out, image conscious, has the office pulse. This winner of the popularity contest, is helpful, willing to cut people some slack, work from home, have some fun - as long as the work is well done! There is always credit and glory to be had – by means fair or not. Always the first hand to go up for any new initiative or up-skilling program. Prone to sulking if they feel side lined. Prone to bouts of public outbursts which pass quickly. Can patiently nurture grudges to settle scores.

Sumitra – princess from Kashi (Varanasi). Of the ancient, spiritual kingdom, she was wise, peaceful, dutiful, devoted and pretty.

The wife – 'prettiest', she is said to be wise, she often helped the king in stately matters. Sweet natured and coy, she deferred to Kaushalya as the chief queen and kept Kaikeyi in good humour.

The mother – twins Lakshman and Shatrugna, were taught obedience, respect, dedication and loyalty to hierarchy and authority along with bravery.

Son Lakshman – insists on accompanying Ram and Sita in exile. It is said he didn’t sleep for those fourteen years, keeping watch at night while Ram and Sita slept. When Sita was kidnapped, he identified recovered jewellery from the anklets as he had never looked his sister-in-law in the eye.

Manager Lakshman – the dedicated ‘workhorse’, comes to work, and keeps his head down. Reliable, dependable, he lets his work speak for himself. Respectful of authority, the soldier and mission oriented leader is neither afraid of responsibility, nor leading from the front. He does what he needs to. The team player is happy to get his hands dirty, and share the occasional laugh - as long as things are under control. Mindful of hierarchy, he seems reserved and keeps his private life out of the office.  

Conclusion - it is fascinating how King Dashrath and his sons drew their identity from the paternal clan and lived for its glory, but were actually like their mothers. Perhaps, I am not the only one to have the ‘aha’ moment here. Men may win the wars, but it is the women who seemed to rule – through their sons. I am not sure if this was some kind of symbolic balancing act, or ironical oversight. However, it does demonstrate the possible extent of a mothers influence on those who claim to shape history and office environments.

The next post will explore another aspect of mothering – the stories children hear. Until then, see which of the three mother-archetypes fit you and those around.