Emergencies do happen. Fire-fighting situations occur all the time. Even in the highly competitive corporate world of today, an enemy can attack you suddenly. And one needs to be prepared for that.
Chanakya says, “In the absence of help-mates, he should find shelter in a fort where the enemy, even with a large army, would not cut off his food, fodder, fuel and water, and would himself meet with losses and expenses” (7.15.9).
There are times when emergencies and crises force people to run off. Then one needs to go to a friend or an ally who will extend a helping hand.
But, when that is not possible, one still needs to retreat to a shelter.
Chanakya gives us tips for this:
Finding a fort
A fort is generally a well-protected place and not just some other house for shelter. A fort has got guards protecting it and will have the king in the midst of it.
In today’s corporate world, a fort would denote all those places where the heads of organisations usually sit and operate from.
Therefore, it is suggested that a king (the chairman, director or CEO) should maintain friendships with many other kings (his counterparts). So in troubled times, he can seek shelter in their forts.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
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