If Chanakya were alive today

The Times of India

We all keep quoting Chanakya Neeti whenever we encounter any problem or see an issue confounding the public at large. What if Chanakya were alive today? What advice would he pick from his own famous treatise and for whom among our worthy politicians and celebrities? Here's a tongue-in-cheek look:

 1. "Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What will the results be? Will I be successful? Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead." Chanakya would advice Rahul Gandhi to rethink his foray into politics rather than joining merely in loyalty to his dynastic roots.

2. "There is some self-interest behind every friendship. This is a bitter truth." Chanakya would console Amitabh Bachchan and former Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh, who became "brothers" to fulfil the need of the hour (Amitabh for financial bailout and Amar Singh for proximity to Bollywood and the Bachchans).

3. "A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first." Chanakya would advice G R Khairnar, the former Deputy Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, who spearheaded the demolition drive of many illegal constructions in Mumbai, and therefore, had to face the wrath of the city mafia, with even his government not backing him.

 4. "As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."
Chanakya would advice the Indian army, instead of merely acting in defense mode in adherence to some misplaced loyalties to India's peace ethos.

5. The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman." Chanakya would advice External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid about Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, so that he doesn't repeat the same mistakes as S M Krishna did.

6. "Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
Chanakya would advice Anna Hazare to continue his anti-corruption movement despite interminable delays and embarassing followers.

 7. "The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions."
Chanakya would applaud Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate initiative, which is a big step in the right direction.

8. "God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple."
Chanakya would tell all religious fanatics.

9. "Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth."
Chanakya would give this advice to all students (as well as tell KBC entrants to brush up their General Knowledge).