Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan delivered a powerful message on the foundational pillars of democracy during a public event in the national capital on Wednesday. He asserted that the true strength of democratic institutions stems from public trust and moral responsibility, not merely from following established procedures.
Core Principles of Democratic Leadership
The Vice President was speaking at the release of a new book titled 'Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada.' He highlighted the critical role of leadership in shaping societal direction. "Leadership, particularly in public life, is the force that shapes society’s direction," Radhakrishnan stated. He elaborated that democracies flourish when underpinned by ethical commitment, going beyond the mechanical adherence to rules.
Radhakrishnan described the publication as a timely exploration of leadership grounded in core values rather than the exercise of authority. "Today’s launch marks a moment of reflection on leadership as a way of life, rooted in values, service, discipline, and joy, rather than authority or power," he told the audience gathered in New Delhi.
Inspiration from Srila Prabhupada's Journey
Drawing inspiration from the subject of the book, the Vice President reflected on the life journey of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He pointed to it as a testament to timeless principles. "His leadership proves that nothing is ever too late – only values and effort matter, as demonstrated by his historic journey at the age of 70," Radhakrishnan remarked, underscoring the message that purposeful action driven by values holds supreme importance.
Dignitaries Grace the Event
The book launch event saw the presence of several notable figures. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the function. Also present were key figures from ISKCON and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, including Madhu Pandit Dasa, founder and chairman of Akshaya Patra and president of ISKCON Bengaluru, and Chanchalapathi Dasa, vice-chairman and co-founder of the foundation and senior vice president of ISKCON Bengaluru.
The Vice President's address served as a poignant reminder that the resilience and effectiveness of a democracy depend significantly on the ethical fabric and trustworthy conduct of its leaders and institutions, reinforcing the idea that procedure alone is an empty vessel without moral substance.
