Bhishma and the Modern Leader

Revered as Visham Pitamah, Bhishma’s legacy transcends time — a reminder that dharma, discipline, and duty remain leadership’s greatest virtues

- ANIL RAJPUT

Bhishma, the revered Visham Pitamah of the Mahabharata, stands out as one of the most compelling figures representing leadership in Indian civilisation. While he was not a ruler by title, he commanded kings, armies, and institutions through the sheer power of integrity, wisdom, and trust. His remarkable life, defined by vows, service, and moral conduct, offers enduring lessons on morality and leadership that transcend eras, finding resonance in modern governance, corporate ethics, and institutional responsibility.

Born on the banks of the River Ganga in Hastinapura, Bhishma was the son of King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga, a descendant of the Lunar (Chandravansha) dynasty, itself known for valour and wisdom. Trained by the warrior sage Parashurama, he mastered not only the art of war but the philosophies and disciplines of restraint, foresight, and moral judgment. These qualities became the foundations of his leadership, which was driven by a sense of institutional duty in preference to personal ambition.