The ideal mentor – The Hindu

The role of a mentor is to ensure ethical practices and qualities that align with societal values.
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Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for an Odissi dance performance as part of the Odisha Day celebration. The dance was named Kalpa Rupa, an interplay between Sakhi and Radha based on Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam.

The master of ceremonies eloquently spoke about the relationship between Sakhi and Radha; how Sakhi guides Radha to her goal — the union with Krishna. She elaborated further on the direct and indirect contributions by Sakhi during the course of the journey to the goal and how dispassionately Sakhi withdraws from the scene once the goal is achieved. Thus, the lady set the context for the dance for the benefit of the audience.

Guide, anchor

This made me think if Sakhi was the original modern-day mentor. The concept of Sakhi in Gita Govindam and the role of a mentor share significant parallels. This is very evident in their functions as guides, facilitators, and emotional anchors. Here we try to explore some of the aspects for a clearer understanding.

One of the main roles assigned to Sakhi is to serve as an intermediary between Radha and Krishna.

She helps both of them to communicate emotions and resolve misunderstandings, and brings them together. Similarly, in modern management, a mentor plays almost the same role of an intermediary — helping to bridge the gap between her mentee’s current challenges and the goal, offering guidance and strategic advice.

Sakhi, in addition to being a bridge, deeply understands Radha’s emotions, encourages her to decide or directs her to a course of action when she is uncertain.

Most important, Sakhi offers comforting advice when she is distressed.

A modern-day mentor is definitely expected to provide emotional intelligence, helping her mentees to sail through the workplace challenges, raise confidence, and manage stress.

Growth push

Sakhi helps Radha and Krishna evolve in their relationship to achieve the goal. She helps by ensuring that they overcome obstacles represented by their personal and spiritual growth. In a similar way, the mentor stimulates the professional and personal growth of those in her care.

The mentor oversees the achievement of the goals by imparting skills, knowledge, and mindset.

Sakhi works to see that Radha and Krishna unite in a way that aligns with the age-old ideals of devotion and love. She does not seek personal rewards for her contributions but derives joy from the achievement of the goal.

The role of a mentor is no different. It is to ensure ethical practices and qualities that align with societal values.

A true mentor also works selflessly, deriving meaning and fulfilment in the success of her wards.

Though I was physically present in the auditorium, my mind was fast moving to establish the similarities between Sakhi and the mentor during each segment of the dance. Finally, I concluded that Sakhi is the ideal mentor. In essence both Sakhi and the mentor function as sattvic, selfless guides, shaping destinies of their wards. They never use force, but employ wisdom, empathy, and subtle influence.