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In thinking ahead to today’s Diwali festival, I found myself reflecting on the “No Kings” protests in the US at the weekend. Somewhere around seven million Americans gathered to affirm commitment to a constitution drafted to avoid being governed by an absolute monarch. Diwali, of course, marks the celebration of the return of King Rama to the throne of Ayodhya. However, the festival’s message highlights both the issues of unfettered human power as well as the qualities of ideal leadership. The Ramayan text relates Rama’s travails; the internal intrigue that sees him banished and the cowardly abduction of His wife, Sita, by the tyrant, Ravana. In response, Rama forges alliances ultimately defeating Ravana in battle. It is a story that reveals the nature of human interactions--on the broad political scale as well as in inter-personal dealings. As the Ramayan testifies, justice is needed to rectify harm and wrong-doing; sensible precautions are needed for security. And, although a deal lasts only as long as the win-win balance, it may still defuse a war zone. But, the intention of the Ramayan is to emphasise the vital importance of value-based leadership. As we navigate our hopes and aspirations against life’s challenges, we tend to assign other people to one of three categories: friends, neutrals or enemies. Based on these calculations, we strive to please our clan, keep allies on board for when they might prove useful, and scheme to distance or overcome our adversaries. The Vedic texts say such an approach to politics and even every-day interactions is “petty-minded”. And is the cause of much of our anxiety and the constant conflict we find ourselves in. By contrast as an example to us, Rama’s rule as king is said to embody the principle of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” – to see the world as one family, indeed one household. Not because we share the same interests, politics, language, or religion. But because, within our hearts, every human shares exactly the same access to a relationship with the Supreme. The Diwali message is therefore that we do not nurture that relationship for ourselves or encourage it within others, as long as we remain “petty-minded”. Today, there will be a clean home and a sharing of gifts and new clothes amongst those nearest and dearest. But the message for would-be kings as well as for each of us, is that we will find the real spirit of the festival in the renewal of our outlook towards others. Happy Diwali to you all.