On the 11th of September 2022, a massive earthquake on a Richter scale of 7.6 magnitude struck Papua New Guinea. It literally shook the entire country in every which way, but now they are steadily recovering from it. But prior to that there was an economic earthquake in Sri Lanka, which devastated the entire country. It still hasn't settled yet.
Sri Lanka's ongoing turmoil is rooted in its economic policies. Many eminent economists lay the blame on President Rajapakse's poor economic reforms for this grave situation. In the year 2019, he handed out huge tax concessions to the people due to which there was a huge loss in government revenue leading to the country suffering a loss of 1.4 billion dollars per year. Besides this, the country's economic situation further worsened due to their policy of keeping their vote bank happy to gain votes and thereby gaining power. Thus the whole country has become bankrupt and helpless due to the unscrupulous behavior of one key person. This is a prime example of a disaster created by a careless leader.
According to economists and statisticians, a new economic crisis is also appearing in some states of India. Delhi's debt has increased by seven percent. According to a report, in the year 2022-2023, the debt of Punjab will increase from 2.83 lakh to 3.05 lakh crore. Things don't immediately happen in a day or a month or a year, but if the financial system is not managed properly, then sooner or later, there will be difficulties. Political ideologies and financial reforms are two entirely different aspects. One only results in benefits for oneself and a few others, while the other provides a long term security that benefits all.
According to a research conducted by a company called Consero Global, "The importance of good leadership may seem obvious, but what is less obvious is what makes a good leader." Further in addition to this they stated that "The most effective leaders have a sophisticated and thorough understanding of their organization's financial health, and they make decisions grounded in financial realities."
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one such brilliant leader who had a very clear picture about the fundamentals of economics. He used to handle the workings of 1200 temples and knew very well the daily income and expenditure incurred, icluding the bank details etc. of all these temples and other such institutions like hospitals, and schools attached to these temples. He possessed a thorough knowledge of proper financial management to run the entire organization efficiently. Every expenditure was carefully thought out by him. In this regard no detail would escape his notice. He used to keep an account of every single rupee spent. He ensured that the devotees serving in the Accounts Department of the organization kept all the accounts with full clarity. Further he also ensured that the chartered accountants and other devotees, who were account experts in charge of the department periodically sent him the papers of bank statements and balances etc to Swamiji. Swamiji would study it thoroughly to the last detail. If there was something unique, he would ask for more information by calling or meeting the concerned person immediately. Again, he would also keep track of the accounts of more than 162 ongoing social activities of the organization. Apart from the legalities, he also had a thorough knowledge of laws related to economics. No one could ever misguide him in this sphere.
Once the accounts of a temple were handed to Swamiji. He calmly scrutinized and examined every little aspect. He went through the minutest details and checked all the figures. Seeing some variabilities, he called the concern person of the temple and asked why was there such a change in the number of pilgrims staying around that particular time? Why was there such a difference as compared to the previous year? The devotee replied that since Swamiji did not visit there the previous year the figures were very average. That particular year since Swamiji had arrived in the temple, there were many devotees from the country and abroad staying in the temple. Because of this, there was a change in the numbers and statistics.
All who witnessed this event were amazed at Swamiji's administrative skills! Because Swamiji used to get statistics from many departments. The fact that there was a difference in the figures of a small section of the temple was also not beyond Swamiji's skilled observance.
There are several locations of BAPS organization spread all over the world. Each country has different laws regarding donations and its practices related to religious institutions. Swamiji was aware of all the laws of every country. Perchance if he did not know, he would ask the concerned experts and get a detailed information regarding the same to further manage the finances very well. Swamiji knew exactly where and how much aid was required and requested and exactly where and how much aid was to be given. Devotees also knew this expertise of Swamiji, so when they had any question related to business, they would immediately turn to Swamiji for advice. He would calmly listen to their difficulties related to financial transactions and then help solve them accurately. Thanks to this, the financial condition of the devotees would remain very sound. There would never come a time where they would ever have to look at clearing any kind of a financial debt whatsoever.
Thus over and above, It would not be an exaggeration to say that Swamiji was very skillful in financial administrations, which was a valuable aspect of his divine leadership.
Thanks Giving
This article is written and submitted to The E Today by Sadhu Amrutvadandas. We thank swamiji for his research and analysis and hope to see the awareness about life and peace being spread ahead to larger mass of our citizens.