The first image that comes to mind when we think of Ravan is of a towering figure with ten heads. He was someone defeated by Lord Ram, the embodiment of dharma. But what if we looked beyond the label of “villain”? What if Ravan, the ten-headed king of Lanka, was also a mirror to the complexities that lie within all leaders?
Dussehra reminds us each year of the triumph of good over evil. But beneath the fiery effigy lies a deeper lesson – one that speaks not just to morality, but to leadership.
Ravan: The Complex Leader
Ravan was no ordinary king. He was a brilliant scholar and a master of the Vedas. He was a powerful ruler who transformed Lanka into a golden kingdom. Additionally, he was a fierce devotee of Lord Shiva. His intellect was vast, his ambition boundless. Yet, why do you think that despite his genius, his downfall was inevitable?
We may find the answer in his ten heads. This may not be just a mythological exaggeration. Instead, it could be a symbol of the many dimensions that reside within every leader.
Ravan’s ten heads can be seen as symbolic of the various human tendencies. Each of us experiences these at some point. These tendencies range from desire, anger, delusion, greed, pride, jealousy, and ego. They also include intellect, mind, and will. Some of these tendencies, when harnessed and balanced, can fuel vision and strategy. They also support resilience and passion. Others, if left unchecked, can lead to impulsiveness and arrogance. Eventually, they can cause downfall. The true challenge is not to deny these tendencies. Instead, it is to recognize and master the ones that threaten to overpower our better judgment. Ravan’s failure wasn’t in having these traits but it was in letting them overpower his judgment. Just like Ravan, modern leaders carry multiple ‘heads.’ True leadership lies not in suppressing them. It lies in managing them with awareness, humility, and emotional intelligence.
A Modern-Day Parallel: Two Leaders, Two Outcomes
Early in my career in the hospitality industry, I had the experience of working under a particularly overly aggressive leader. I consider myself fortunate to have encountered such leadership style. Sometimes witnessing poor leadership firsthand is the best way to understand the kind of leader you don’t want to become. This person was a senior leader who often leveraged position for personal gain, acting without regard for others. Their dictatorial behavior included making obnoxious comments. They also consistently set poor examples. This behavior fostered a toxic culture, leaving the team totally demoralized. No leader’s unchecked arrogance, like Ravana’s, can last forever. Ravana’s power could not endure, and similarly, this person also faced downfall.
In contrast, I remember another leader equally driven, but deeply reflective. When I first started working with this leader, I felt controlled and dominated. Despite my experience and knowledge, decisions were being made before I could even share a thought. It felt rigid and, honestly, uncomfortable. But instead of letting frustration grow, I chose to have an open conversation. I shared my perspective objectively, unsure of what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with the positive response and acceptance from that leader. From that point on, everything changed. The environment became collaborative, creative, and energizing. I realized that a leader’s greatness lies not just in their intellect or decisiveness. It is found in their openness to feedback, humility, and willingness to adapt.
Like Ravana, both leaders had ten heads, but the difference wasn’t in the skill – it was in inner leadership.
The Real Lesson of Ravan
Ravan’s downfall began not with the abduction of Sita, but with ego overriding wisdom. He refused to listen and dismissed good counsel. He also let his many heads speak over each other, and ultimately, overpowered his own ability to course-correct. With so many impulses pulling in different directions, he lost the ability to steer himself. Over time, what could have been his strength became his undoing. That’s what makes his story eternally relevant and not just as a myth, but as a leadership metaphor, reminding us that self-awareness and humility matter more than sheer power
A Dussehra Reflection on My Leadership Journey
Early in my journey, some voices, like pride or impatience, often dominated. Others, like patience, listening, or reflection, remained quiet. I learned, sometimes the hard way, that leadership is not about silencing parts of myself or others. It is not about asserting power over them. True leadership lies in integration, honoring all aspects of thought, emotion, and perspective. Over time, this reflection has shaped my leadership. It has taught me to lead from awareness rather than impulse. It has shown me to balance strength with empathy. It has guided me to use my abilities wisely rather than excessively.
This Dussehra, I celebrate not just the victory of good over evil. I also celebrate the ongoing journey of self-mastery, awareness, and conscious leadership. The voices within me work together. They guide my decisions and shape the impact I create.
Balancing the Flavours (Just like Leadership Traits)
No Dussehra is complete without food that brings comfort, nostalgia, and joy. While the day symbolizes the triumph of self-mastery, it also brings the warmth of tradition into our homes.
My personal festive favorite includes puri, aloo sabzi, and sooji ka halwa. The crispy hot puris are puffed to perfection. The dry aloo sabzi has a minty flavor. Of course, suji ka halwa is a must, roasted golden semolina with ghee, cardamom, and ground almonds. Each bring something distinct, but together, they create a complete, comforting experience. It reminds me that in leadership too, you need heat, strength, softness and sweetness, but in the right proportions.
My Dussehra Recipe: Puri, Aloo Sabzi & Suji ka Halwa
1. Puri (Fluffy Deep-Fried Bread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- Water (as needed to knead)
- Oil (for deep frying)
Method:
- Mix flour by adding water gradually and knead into a firm, smooth dough.
- Rest the dough for 15–20 minutes.
- Divide into small balls, roll into discs (not too thin).
- Heat oil in a kadhai; once hot, deep-fry each puri until golden and puffed.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
2. Dry Aloo Sabzi
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (boiled and cubed)
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- Few curry leaves
- 1 tbsp crushed dried mint leaves
- Salt, sugar, and turmeric to taste
- Chopped coriander
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds along with the curry leaves.
- Once they splutter, add hing and green chilies.
- Add the boiled potatoes, turmeric, sugar and salt.
- Toss gently until coated and slightly crisp.
- Garnish with crushed dried mint leaves and coriander.
3. Suji ka Halwa (Semolina Pudding)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup suji (semolina)
- ¼ cup ghee
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp powdered almonds
Method:
- In a pan, heat ghee and roast semolina/suji on a low flame until golden brown and aromatic.
- Add the sugar and keep stirring for a minute.
- Slowly pour the water and then the milk into the roasted suji, stirring continuously.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and ghee starts to leave the sides.
- Add powdered almonds and stir. Serve hot.
Whether it’s ten heads or ten flavors on a plate, balance is key. Too much of one, and the magic is lost. Just enough, and the result is unforgettable!
