Introduction

Thiruvalluvar, through this couplet from the Tirukkural, asserts that individuals who maintain inner calm and composure in adverse situations can overcome difficulties effectively. In other words, it is not the external problem (“trouble”) that determines the outcome, but the inner state of the person facing it. One who remains unshaken mentally can defeat and transform adversity itself.

Body

Ethical Essence of Composure in Adversity

• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Control: Those with high emotional intelligence remain calm in adversity, making better ethical decisions.
  • Eg: During COVID-19, Kerala’s health secretary Dr. Rajan Khobragade coordinated responses calmly and effectively, minimizing panic.
• Virtue of Fortitude (Aristotelian Virtue Ethics): Moral courage enables facing troubles without being perturbed, translating into just and rational actions.
  • Eg: E. Sreedharan (“Metro Man”) overcame political and logistical hurdles to deliver public projects efficiently, unswayed by stress.
• Resilience Under Pressure: Resilient leaders transform challenges into opportunities, embodying the spirit of “troubling trouble.”
  • Eg: Armstrong Pame, IAS, built the “People’s Road” in Manipur by mobilizing community support when funds and government help stalled.
• Stoic Detachment: Following Stoic philosophy, remaining unshaken by hardship prevents escalation of problems.
  • Eg: T.N. Seshan, as Chief Election Commissioner, enforced electoral reforms despite immense criticism and threats.
• Gandhian Ethic of Satyagraha: Peaceful resistance and inner strength confound adversaries and often turn the tide in one’s favor.
  • Eg: Gandhi’s resolute non-violence during the Salt March destabilized the colonial power’s strategy.
• Leadership by Example: A calm demeanor inspires teams to act rationally, ultimately resolving crises more swiftly.
  • Eg: N. Vijayaraghavan, IAS, managed relief in Kerala floods by staying composed, coordinating resources and volunteers without panic.
• Promoting Accountability and Transparency: Facing allegations or crises without defensiveness leads to quicker resolution.
  • Eg: Ashok Khemka, IAS, upheld transparency in land deals despite repeated transfers and attempts at intimidation.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Remaining unruffled in disputes helps mediate with fairness and diffuse tension.
  • Eg: Kiran Bedi, IPS, used calm mediation in Tihar Jail reforms, transforming the atmosphere and relationships among inmates.

Conclusion

Thiruvalluvar’s wisdom is a reminder that our inner state molds how we address external adversity. By embodying fortitude, equanimity, and emotional intelligence, ethical leaders and civil servants do not just cope with problems; they often resolve or “trouble” the very nature of trouble itself. This timeless lesson in composure under stress is foundational for ethical governance and public service.

DOWNLOAD PDF