Criteria For An Ideal Prime Minister

Daksha Bharadwaj, Founder Trustee, Dr Satyakam Bharadwaj Vedic Research Foundation, elucidates on the qualities that an ideal prime minister must possess based on Vedic ethos

- Daksha Bharadwaj

AN evil head of a kingdom always provokes revolt and the people rise against him and overthrow him. But a good king who is himself a pious person, who selflessly conducts his laws and keeps his people happy, it is only then, his people will observe all social laws and will be noble people. The king or Prime Minister according to Veda should have these qualifications: “Brahmacharyena tapasaa raajaa2 raastram viraksati” – (Atharva Veda XI-5-17). 2.Raajaa – is a derivative of ‘Raaj’. “Deeptow” – to glow, illuminate, shine – he should be praiseworthy and popular. Raja, in Veda, does not mean a king. It may be any illustrious, strong, virtuous person, with love for his people (Dhatupath Bhawadiga No.894).

The hymn explains: Raajaa – The king or the Prime Minister (Viraksati) is duty bound to protect perfectly, (tapasaa) very wisely and diligently (raastram) his kingdom and it (brahma) is only then that the State can be prosperous. According to this hymn, a person who is fully dedicated to his country and people and who is learned, wise, active, dexterous and powerful should be selected as the head of the nation and country. There is no question of any hierarchy or lineage system in selection of the head of a kingdom.