Ajay: Hey! Didnt see you around the last few days
Friend: Yeah, I was a bit short staffed as many of my Malayali employees were away celebrating Onam. By the way, I remember you telling me the story of King Mahabali who visits his people once every year.
Ajay: Haha…yes! And we welcome him back with pomp and splendour!
Friend: Got to admit that its fascinating! Mythology or not, it amazes me how generations after generations remember a king with such fondness and reverence. He must have been a truly great king!
Ajay: Indeed. Not only is his story close to my heart, but every Onam, for me, is a reminder about how a great leader should be.
Friend: Im listening.
Ajay: The folklore is that Mahabalis reign was marked by happiness and prosperity. He ensured that there was no place for injustices like theft, deceit and discrimination. No false promises, no sickness, deaths of children unheard of. Think about it! The gods got jealous of people loving him over them! What more to be said? The true mark of a leader is his/her ability to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of the people. In business, employees are the pillars of an organization and every leader has the responsibility to ensure the well-being of those who help to build it all up. For me, this is what Onam is all about. Its not just a celebration, but a reminder that as leaders we have to imbibe the spirit of the great Mahabali and shoulder the responsibility to carry forward his legacy.
Friend: Totally agree!