Finding Strength in Adversity: How Esha’s Corporate Struggles Mirror the Wisdom of Sumitra

Esha's Struggles

Esha had been working as a project manager at a well-known corporate firm for the last five years. She was known for her diligence, dedication, and ability to multitask. For the past year, however, Esha had been feeling increasingly demotivated. The company's profits had taken a hit due to economic downturns, and as a result, there were no salary hikes or bonuses.
Despite putting in long hours and giving her best to every project, her financial rewards were stagnant. Esha found herself questioning if her efforts were even being noticed. She considered leaving her job and seeking better opportunities, but the current job market was equally unstable, and switching jobs in such an uncertain climate seemed too risky.
Adding to her frustration, her home life had become complicated. Her family depended on her salary, especially her aging parents who needed medical care. She was also trying to support her younger sibling's education. The pressure was mounting from all sides. Her heart ached for change, but she knew that leaving her job now would only complicate matters further.
One evening, after another stressful day at work, Esha sat down with her thoughts. "Should I just walk away and find something better?" she wondered. But deep down, she knew that this was not the right time to make impulsive decisions. She needed to be patient, calm, and resilient. That’s when she remembered a story her grandmother once told her—the story of Sumitra from the Ramayana.

Story of Sumitra

Sumitra, the serene and kind-hearted queen, was one of King Dashrath’s three wives. She was known for her wisdom, sweetness, and selflessness, making her beloved by everyone in the palace. Despite her royal position, Sumitra's greatest strength lay in her balanced nature and her ability to show sisterly love to the other queens, Kaushalya and Kaikeyi.

When the divine Kheer, obtained from the Putrakameshti yagna, was distributed among the three queens, both Kaushalya and Kaikeyi gave a portion of their share to Sumitra. As a result, Sumitra was blessed with two sons, Lakshman and Shatrughna. This act of giving demonstrated the immense love and harmony that Sumitra had fostered among the queens.
As a mother, Sumitra raised her sons with values of selflessness and devotion. When her son Lakshman expressed his desire to accompany Rama during his exile, Sumitra did not hesitate. Instead, she encouraged Lakshman to serve his elder brother with devotion. She understood the importance of sacrifice for a greater cause. Sumitra’s wisdom shone through when she advised Lakshman, “I will look after Kaushalya, who will be grieving for her son’s loss, and you must look after Rama and Sita in the forest. Your duty lies with them now.”
Despite facing a situation where her son would be away for fourteen years, Sumitra handled the moment with grace and calmness. She knew that personal sacrifices were sometimes necessary for the greater good, and that devotion to one’s family and duty would lead to a fulfilling life.

Moral of the Story

As Esha reflected on Sumitra's story, she realized that her situation, though challenging, required a similar mindset. Sumitra had accepted her circumstances and embraced the value of patience, selflessness, and dedication to her family’s welfare.
Esha understood that while she may not receive the rewards she desired right now, this was not the time to act out of frustration. Much like Sumitra, who didn’t focus on what she lacked but instead embraced her role wholeheartedly, Esha decided to stay focused on her work and family. She resolved to wait for the right time to make a change and not let temporary setbacks cloud her judgment.
Esha learned that sometimes in life, the most valuable reward is not immediate recognition or financial gain, but the peace that comes with knowing you have fulfilled your duty with grace.