The qualities of a leader

This month, SARA BUBBER brings us a common folktale, which has been told with many variations, to celebrate World Good Leadership Day on February 20, 2025.

How to choose a king?

Once upon a time, there was a king who had no successor. He had to think of a person who was qualified in various aspects: patronage, administration, warfare, farsightedness, vision, and philanthropy. He thought he could never find a person with so many qualities, and so he decided to select a candidate based on the most important qualities—honesty and patience. All other qualities could be learned and acquired.

And so he hatched a plan to test his subjects and find his most honest and hardworking student. One day, he had it announced in the market square, “Hear ye, hear ye, our king is looking for an able person who can succeed him to take on the role. All willing candidates should come up to the palace ground on the day after the next full moon. Candidates will be put through a test and a deserving candidate will be selected.”

On the day after the full moon, the palace grounds were thronging with people who either wanted to be part of the contest or eagerly came to watch. The king announced, “There is a tank of water, which you need to empty with a tumbler as small as your little finger.” All the contestants thought the task was too much and left. Two contestants stayed back and went in front of the king. He was happy to see people who wanted to take up the challenge.

The participants began to empty the tank. They took out tumbler after tumbler but couldn’t move the levels of water in the tank. Two days later, one of the contestants quit and left. He thought it was too much work. The other contestant kept working until a week later something clinked inside his tumbler. He looked into the tumbler and found a diamond, which he took to the king.

The king was so happy to see the diamond. He told the contestant that the aim of the activity was not in fact to empty the tank but to find the diamond and be honest enough to return it to the king. The diamond was installed in the successor’s crown and the final contestant was given the position of the heir to the throne.

The world has seen some wonderful leaders. The clues in the crossword puzzle will help you fill in the names of some of the world’s well-known leaders:

Down:

1. An Indian Queen who became the first woman ruler of Delhi in the 13th century.
2. A French General who revolutionized military training during the French Revolution.
3. An American President who fought for the freedom of slaves. 
4. A Sikh King from India who founded the Sikh kingdom and expanded its boundaries.
5. The Indian freedom fighter who used non-violent measures to bring freedom.

Across:

1. The first President of South Africa who led an anti-apartheid movement.
2. A scientist from Indian aerospace who became the 11th Indian President.
3. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
4. The Prime Minister who led great Britain to victory in the second world war.
5. A Greek leader from ancient Macedonia with a vast kingdom from Egypt to India. 

Solution to the puzzle can be found at: 
https://heartfulness.org/magazine/activity-crossword-of-leaders-solution