The stage presentation of management skills, emotional balance and human resource titled, ‘Chanakyashastra’ was very original and thought provoking. It is heartening that a 2000-year-old concept of corporate management is applicable even in the computer era. The nine intelligent gems of advice to be used only in the interest of the company or the nation were well brought out. The director needs to be appreciated for choreographing a difficult theme in a humorous drama form with the clippings on the backdrop to make it less monotonous. However some people felt that the CEO’s character was too negative and hence the whole shastra sounded negative (I overheard this comment). Well there is a need to reinforce old statements only when there is an imbalance in the functioning of any institution. The most important point that was brought to light was if you want to fight evil, you have to be in the system, one cannot run away and pass judgments on anything. Frustration is a form of helplessness but one can achieve ones goals if there is focus and objectivity minus false ego. ‘Chanakyashastra’ is not a spiritual advice, it is a practical way of dealing with situations that makes us proactive. This is much needed for people who work in the modern corporate world with academics and management skills with no emotional management skills.

Vasantha Vaikunth…