How Manvi’s Corporate Struggles Mirror Sumantra’s Resilience

Manvi’s Ambition and the Corporate Reality

Manvi, a driven project manager in a prestigious IT company, was known for her commitment and dedication to her work. Early in her career, she had risen quickly, taking on more responsibilities and projects with pride. But as her workload grew, the job that once filled her with purpose began to weigh heavily on her. The corporate demands were endless, and soon, Manvi found herself under intense pressure that tested her limits.
As the projects piled up, Manvi’s responsibilities multiplied. Her boss, Mr. Arjun, was known for his meticulous eye and high expectations. Every detail, no matter how minor, was scrutinized. Mr. Arjun tracked every project update, requesting daily reports and frequent meetings that kept Manvi on edge. This intense monitoring made her feel as though every step was being evaluated, and she began to question her ability to keep up. The anxiety began to follow her home, leaving her drained and unsure if she could keep up with the relentless demands.

Finding Inspiration in Sumantra’s Story

In her struggles, Manvi recalled the story of Sumantra, the chief minister from the Ramayana. Sumantra was the chief minister in the court of King Dasharath and one of his most trusted advisors. After Dasharath married Kaushalya, princess of the Kaushal kingdom, Sumantra also formed a family connection by marrying the daughter of Kaushal’s minister. When Ram was banished to the forest for fourteen years, the heartbroken Dasharath entrusted Sumantra with taking Ram, Lakshman, and Sita to the edge of the forest in a chariot. Dasharath even requested Sumantra to subtly encourage them to return after a few days.
On reaching the banks of the Ganga at Shringaverapura, where they met Nishadraj, Ram rested under a sheesham tree, preparing a bed of grass. While Ram tied his hair into a hermit’s knot with the sap of a banyan tree, Sumantra repeated Dasharath’s request, urging him to reconsider and return to Ayodhya. Ram, however, remained firm in his commitment to duty and righteousness and sent Sumantra back alone. With a heavy heart, Sumantra returned to Ayodhya.

When Dasharath later passed away from grief over Ram’s departure, it was Sumantra who sought the royal Guru Vashishtha for guidance. Together, they brought Bharat and Shatrughna back from Kaikey Land. Sumantra also accompanied Bharat when he journeyed to Chitrakoot to meet Ram. Upon Ram’s return to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile, Sumantra arranged for his coronation and the Rajtilaka ceremony, working closely with the royal priest Vashishtha.
In other significant events, such as Shatrughna’s mission to Mathura to defeat Lavanasura, Ram sent Sumantra along to provide support. During the Ashwamegh Yagna—a ritual involving the release of a horse to claim lands—Shatrughna was tasked with leading the horse, and Sumantra faithfully accompanied him on the journey.
Throughout both Dasharath’s and Ram’s reigns, Sumantra was a central figure, intricately involved in the kingdom’s most crucial events. Alongside other ministers like Vamdev and Javali, who provided spiritual guidance, Sumantra stood out as a leader in royal administration. In Valmiki’s Ramayana, he is even shown admonishing Kaikeyi for her role in Ram’s exile, a testament to his prime position in Dasharath’s court and his unwavering loyalty.
Sumantra’s significance in the Ramayana is unmistakable. Revered by Dasharath and respected by Ram, Sumantra held a unique place in Ayodhya’s royal household, marked by loyalty, wisdom, and devotion that underscored his role as one of the epic’s most notable figures.

A Lesson in Duty and Resilience

With a renewed perspective, Manvi began to handle her workload differently. She started planning ahead to preempt Mr. Arjun’s requests, preparing detailed updates and organizing her tasks with meticulous care. She also leaned on her team, inviting open communication and encouraging them to take ownership of their work, just as Sumantra had done with his trusted allies. Her team saw her calm approach and felt motivated to support her efforts.
Manvi also found comfort in her coworkers, who opened up about their own challenges with intense workloads. Realizing she wasn’t alone, she began delegating tasks more effectively and focused on encouraging her team to work smarter, not harder.
Over time, Manvi’s efforts started to yield positive results. Her projects were completed with a high standard, and clients appreciated the well-executed outcomes. Mr. Arjun, noticing her organized approach and consistent performance, commended her work and even gave her some additional responsibilities, trusting her to manage larger aspects of the projects independently. Manvi’s resilience and newfound calm under pressure had transformed the way she approached her role.
Reflecting on her journey, Manvi realized how Sumantra’s story had guided her. Just as Sumantra had served Ayodhya through difficult times and remained a trusted advisor, Manvi learned to carry out her responsibilities with resilience and adaptability. She recognized that while her role would always bring challenges, facing them with dedication and patience would help her grow both professionally and personally.
Manvi’s journey had taught her the value of perseverance, duty, and self-belief, and she resolved to continue leading with strength and resilience, no matter what corporate challenges came her way.