An Indian leadership perspective from literature works of Poet Kannadasan

Abstract

This article provides an Indian (Tamilian) leadership perspective by the legendary Poet Kannadasan. The article is based on hermeneutics (a qualitative research methodology) which includes content (song) analysis, besides leadership interpretations from the Ramayana, Mahabharata (includes the Bhagavad-Gita) and other ancient Indian literatures. Swami Chinmayananda (2003) asserted that from time to time, there is a need for us to look and re-look at these ancient literatures and provide intelligent interpretation and re-interpretation to apply effectively in the modern context of leadership. Unlike the western approach to leadership which focuses in exploring the external world of matter and energy, the literary writer Kannadasan recommends a leadership approach which focuses on exploring the inner world of the self. This means the leadership of the self first before any other type of leadership. This approach is also consistent with the teachings of the ancient Indian and other ancient East Asian philosophies such as Confuicianism and Taoism. The prospects of analysing Kannadasan's other Tamil songs and ancient Indian literatures in the areas of management and people development such as communication, work motivation, conflict handling, values and attitude improvements can be considered for future research.