Once upon a time, in the grand halls of Indraprastha, where the air shimmered with the wisdom of ages and the echoes of righteousness, a celestial visitor arrived—Devarishi Narada. Unlike a king’s usual guests, who came with gifts or grievances, Narada carried neither gold nor demands. Instead, he brought something far more valuable: questions. Questions that could shake a ruler’s conscience, test his wisdom, and determine the very fate of his kingdom.

Standing before Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas and the rightful ruler of Hastinapura, Narada did not speak of war or politics, nor wealth or victories. Instead, he inquired about the heart of leadership—the well-being of the people, the integrity of governance, and the fairness of justice. Each question was a test, not of Yudhishthira’s power but of his purpose. A great ruler is not one who merely governs a kingdom but one who nurtures its people.

Though centuries have passed since this divine conversation took place, its essence remains as relevant as ever. The halls of Indraprastha have transformed into boardrooms, and kings have been replaced by CEOs. Yet, the fundamental challenge of leadership remains unchanged: How does one lead with wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility? If Narada were to visit today’s corporate world, what questions would he ask CEOs and leaders?

This article is an attempt to bridge the ancient wisdom of Mahabharata with the modern challenges of people leadership. By revisiting Narada’s questions to Yudhishthira, we will explore five essential lessons that every CEO must learn to ensure that they are leading their people with fairness, vision, and compassion.

The CEO’s Self-Inquiry: Narada’s Questions Reimagined

1. The Kingdom (Organization) and Its People

In the great Sabha of Indraprastha, Narada’s first concern was not the wealth of the treasury nor the strength of the army but the well-being of the people. He asked Yudhishthira:

“O King, do your subjects live in peace and contentment? Do they have enough to sustain their families? Do they trust in your rule, knowing that their voices are heard and their grievances addressed?”

For what is a kingdom without its people? And what is an organization without its employees?

In today’s corporate world, a CEO must ask themselves a similar question:

“Are my employees thriving, or merely surviving?”

• Do they feel valued, supported, and motivated?
• Do they wake up eager to contribute, or do they drag themselves to work in silent discontent?
• Is our workplace culture one that nurtures innovation and well-being, or does it drain energy and enthusiasm?
• Are their achievements celebrated, and are their challenges met with empathy and solutions?

A company’s success does not lie in its balance sheets alone—it lies in the hearts and minds of its people. A workforce that is overworked, undervalued, or disengaged will never propel an organization to greatness. True people leadership begins with creating an environment where employees do not just work—they flourish.

Leadership Lesson: A leader’s first duty is to create a thriving workplace culture where employees feel respected, heard, and empowered. A prosperous kingdom is one where the people prosper, and a successful company is one where employees feel a deep sense of belonging and purpose.

1. The Advisors (Leadership Team) and Counsel

In the court of Indraprastha, where justice was sought and wisdom revered, Narada’s gaze fell upon Yudhishthira. His voice, like the whisper of time itself, carried a question that could shape the fate of empires:

“O King, do you surround yourself with wise and honest ministers? Do they counsel you with truth, even when the truth is bitter? Or do they weave words of flattery, telling you what you wish to hear instead of what you must?”

A ruler who stands alone, unchallenged and unquestioned, does not lead—he merely reigns. And a leader who is blinded by sycophancy walks not toward greatness but toward ruin.

A modern CEO, like a king of old, does not lead in isolation. Their decisions ripple through the organization, shaping its culture, direction, and destiny. Yet, the weight of leadership is too great to bear alone—it demands the presence of advisors who do not merely echo but enlighten. A leader who walks alone walks toward folly. A leader who listens only to agreement leads into darkness. The strongest leadership is built on trust, candour, and the willingness to be challenged.

Leadership Lesson: The strength of a kingdom lies not in its gold but in the wisdom of its advisors. The strength of a company lies not in its hierarchy but in the integrity of its leadership team. A Great CEO surrounds themselves with those who challenge, question, and refine their vision—not those who merely nod in agreement.

Once upon a time, in the grand halls of Indraprastha, where the air shimmered with the wisdom of ages and the echoes of righteousness, a celestial visitor arrived—Devarishi Narada. Unlike a king’s usual guests, who came with gifts or grievances, Narada carried neither gold nor demands. Instead, he brought something far more valuable: questions. Questions that could shake a ruler’s conscience, test his wisdom, and determine the very fate of his kingdom.

Standing before Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas and the rightful ruler of Hastinapura, Narada did not speak of war or politics, nor wealth or victories. Instead, he inquired about the heart of leadership—the well-being of the people, the integrity of governance, and the fairness of justice. Each question was a test, not of Yudhishthira’s power but of his purpose. A great ruler is not one who merely governs a kingdom but one who nurtures its people.

Though centuries have passed since this divine conversation took place, its essence remains as relevant as ever. The halls of Indraprastha have transformed into boardrooms, and kings have been replaced by CEOs. Yet, the fundamental challenge of leadership remains unchanged: How does one lead with wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility? If Narada were to visit today’s corporate world, what questions would he ask CEOs and leaders?

This article is an attempt to bridge the ancient wisdom of Mahabharata with the modern challenges of people leadership. By revisiting Narada’s questions to Yudhishthira, we will explore five essential lessons that every CEO must learn to ensure that they are leading their people with fairness, vision, and compassion.

The CEO’s Self-Inquiry: Narada’s Questions Reimagined

1. The Kingdom (Organization) and Its People

In the great Sabha of Indraprastha, Narada’s first concern was not the wealth of the treasury nor the strength of the army but the well-being of the people. He asked Yudhishthira:

“O King, do your subjects live in peace and contentment? Do they have enough to sustain their families? Do they trust in your rule, knowing that their voices are heard and their grievances addressed?”

For what is a kingdom without its people? And what is an organization without its employees?

In today’s corporate world, a CEO must ask themselves a similar question:

“Are my employees thriving, or merely surviving?”

• Do they feel valued, supported, and motivated?
• Do they wake up eager to contribute, or do they drag themselves to work in silent discontent?
• Is our workplace culture one that nurtures innovation and well-being, or does it drain energy and enthusiasm?
• Are their achievements celebrated, and are their challenges met with empathy and solutions?

A company’s success does not lie in its balance sheets alone—it lies in the hearts and minds of its people. A workforce that is overworked, undervalued, or disengaged will never propel an organization to greatness. True people leadership begins with creating an environment where employees do not just work—they flourish.

Leadership Lesson: A leader’s first duty is to create a thriving workplace culture where employees feel respected, heard, and empowered. A prosperous kingdom is one where the people prosper, and a successful company is one where employees feel a deep sense of belonging and purpose.

1. The Advisors (Leadership Team) and Counsel

In the court of Indraprastha, where justice was sought and wisdom revered, Narada’s gaze fell upon Yudhishthira. His voice, like the whisper of time itself, carried a question that could shape the fate of empires:

“O King, do you surround yourself with wise and honest ministers? Do they counsel you with truth, even when the truth is bitter? Or do they weave words of flattery, telling you what you wish to hear instead of what you must?”

A ruler who stands alone, unchallenged and unquestioned, does not lead—he merely reigns. And a leader who is blinded by sycophancy walks not toward greatness but toward ruin.

A modern CEO, like a king of old, does not lead in isolation. Their decisions ripple through the organization, shaping its culture, direction, and destiny. Yet, the weight of leadership is too great to bear alone—it demands the presence of advisors who do not merely echo but enlighten. A leader who walks alone walks toward folly. A leader who listens only to agreement leads into darkness. The strongest leadership is built on trust, candour, and the willingness to be challenged.

Leadership Lesson: The strength of a kingdom lies not in its gold but in the wisdom of its advisors. The strength of a company lies not in its hierarchy but in the integrity of its leadership team. A Great CEO surrounds themselves with those who challenge, question, and refine their vision—not those who merely nod in agreement.