Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 9
नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः ॥ ९ ॥
mad-arthe tyakta-jīvitāḥ
nānā-śastra-praharaṇāḥ
sarve yuddha-viśāradāḥ
After naming some of the principal commanders of his army, Duryodhana adds that there are many other brave warriors supporting him. He describes them as soldiers ready to sacrifice their lives for his cause and as fighters skilled in using different weapons.
Through this statement, he attempts to emphasize the depth and dedication of his forces. The verse highlights that the strength of an army does not lie only in its prominent leaders but also in the commitment and preparedness of the larger body of warriors who stand behind them.
This verse draws attention to the role of collective commitment in any large institution or organisation. While leadership figures are important, the real strength of a system often lies in the dedication and competence of the wider team.
In public administration, policies and decisions can only be implemented effectively when the broader institutional workforce is capable, trained, and committed to the task. Recognising the contribution of the wider system and ensuring that people are equipped with the necessary skills and motivation is therefore essential for effective governance.