On October 4, 2017 Prime Minister Narendar Modi came up with a speech to company secretaries, which was nothing but a straight forward attack on his critics. Prime Minister was trying to project that all was right with Indian economy after implementation of demonetization and GST. His critics have been spreading words that the country’s GDP is set to slide down to all time low.
In fact, his own party men have been staunch critic of Prime Minister’s “hasty” move in implementing demonetization and GST. Naredra Modi morphed into an attack on his critics, during the course of which Prime Minister compared his critics to the pessimistic Shalya.
This brought into focus the name Shalya. Who is this Shalya? What has he got to do with Modi critics?
Shalya is a great warrior from Mahabharata, he was the brother of ‘Maadri’, uncle of the Pandava’s. But unfortunately he is remembered as the Charioteer of ‘Karna’ and as one of the reasons for the Karna’s death.
The Story of Shalya
Shalya was a great warrior and was related to Kunti (he was the brother of Madri the second wife of Pandu)and hence was a natural ally of Pandavas. After Krishna’s mission to bring peace between Pandavas and the Kauravas failed, the two sides called in all their supporters for fighting the war. Yudhishtir has sent a word for his uncle and The king of Madra collected his army and was on the way to join his army on the side of the Pandavas.
However destiny had other plans….
Duryodhana called his men with specific instructions. ‘Intercept Shalya before he reaches his destination. Serve him lavishly but do not tell him who is his host!’ And so Shalya never reached the destination. He saw beautiful tents put up on the way. He stopped his group and all of them enjoyed the lavish hospitality. Happy with the hospitality Shalya calls the servant and pledges his army to his Master.
And Duryodhana who was waiting for this opportunity smiled as he stood before Shalya. Shalya was shocked out of his wits and tries to wriggle out but Duryodhana reminds him of his pledge and makes him stay with him.
The the shocked and saddened Shalya asks for the forgiveness of his mistake from Pandavas. Yudhishtara, knowing everything calms Shalya and promise weeds a promised that as a damage control, when the time comes during the war, where Arjuna and Karna come face to face he be the Charioteer of the Karna.
Shalya frowned not understanding. Yudhishtara explains him that – the battle between Karna and Arjuna will decide the outcome of the war will depend on that battle! If Shalya becomes the charioteer of the Karna, he can dishearten Karna by praising Arujna all the time. Yudhishter urges his uncle, though its not a honourable thing but it has to be done if the life of Arjuna has to be save.
In those days, the position of being a warrior’s charioteer was given only to persons who were extremely trustworthy because more often than not, the life of the warrior depended as much on his own fighting skills and on the driving skills of his charioteer. The charioteer not only protected the life of the warrior, the warrior also discussed the means of attack and defence with the charioteer. I want you to talk to man and discourage him and praise Arjuna! That way, Karna would never fight his best and there is probably a chance that Arjuna’s life would be saved!, plays the nephew card Yudhistara.
And Shalya for the love of his Nephew, promises Yudhishtara that he will discourage Karna and praise Arjuna and his skills thay by the time he faces Arjuna in the battle field, Karna will be no position to fight him.
And as planned Shalya becomes Karna’s Charioteer and discourages Karna at every stage of the war. He would keep praising Arjuna while pointing out the shortcomings of Karna. However, there is one little known or less publicized fact about Shalya. It appears he found his respect for Karna later in the war when he sees him fighting brilliantly. Still desiring Arjuna’s victory, he continues to deride Karna, and doesn’t come to Karna’s aid when, during the epic fight with Arjuna, Karna’s chariot-wheel gets stuck in the mud. In the end, Arjuna kills an unarmed and disadvantaged Karna.
After Karna’s death, Shalya, now impassioned to fight for the Kaurava cause, takes over as the commander of the Kaurava forces, rallying them from retreat. Krishna suggested that Yudhishthira should kill the powerful warrior because the eldest Pandava was not a man of aggression and could meet Shalya’s coolness in battle. Shalya is killed by Yudhishthira.
Take from the Story
Without Shalya, the strength of character of Karna would never been realised. In spite all the negative comments by Shalya, Karna believed in his ability, showed his brilliance never wavered from his goal and even made Shalya applaud his bravery during the war!
Today’s Relavance
Shalya’s story is still relevant today in our lives. we all have our Shalyas within, not to forget the Shalyas outside? The Shalya’s within made us makes sure that we do not take the challenge. We will be told Many a times that we are not fit.
The examples of Shalyas quietly dampening one’s spirits are plenty. Shalya’s character stands in stark contrast to that of Krishna as the charioteer. People who succeed in life are the ones who are able to activate their Krishnas within and suppress their Shalyas.
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