The Wrong Way

Chandrasekhar was the chieftain of the village, a position that had been passed down through generations. He had two sons, both known for their good nature, but he felt uncertain about who should take over his responsibilities.

One day, as he was discussing this dilemma with a close friend, his elder son entered and said, “Father, I’m going to see the festival with my friend Ravi.”

Chandrasekhar asked, “Is your younger brother not going?”

“He too is going, but he is taking the King’s highway. We are taking a shortcut through the jungle,” replied the elder son.

“But is that road not rather risky?” questioned the father.
“It is; but Ravi insists on taking that shortcut,” the elder son replied.

“You may go, but be on your guard,” said the father, reluctantly allowing his son to venture forth.

After the young man left, Chandrasekhar’s friend remarked, “One who takes to a wrong way simply because of a friend’s insistence is not fit for the position of chieftain, even if he is good-natured. You should consider choosing your younger son to succeed you.”

Chandrasekhar pondered this advice and ultimately agreed. It became clear to him that character and judgment were vital qualities for a leader.