There’s a story from the Mahabharata ……..
When Karna was made the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army, he wanted a charioteer equal to Krishna because he knew he would be facing Arjuna.
Duryodhana said that wasn’t possible. But he offered the next best option ‘King Shalya of Madra’.
Shalya agreed… but on one condition. He would be the charioteer, but he would say whatever he wanted while on the chariot.
Karna didn’t like that condition, but he accepted it. Now imagine this. You’re about to go into one of the biggest battles of your life. You need focus, confidence, clarity. And the person right beside you , the one literally steering your direction continuously keeps saying:
“You’re going to lose.”
“You can’t win this.”
“They are stronger than you.”
“God is on their side.”
Shalya did his role perfectly when it came to driving the chariot.
But at the same time, he kept demoralising Karna with his words.
This happens with all of us…..
Maybe not on a battlefield…but in our daily lives.
There are so many “Shalyas” around us.
At work as colleagues or superiors. At home , sometimes even unintentionally.
Among friends, relatives, neighbours.
People who may do their part, but constantly plant doubt in your mind.
And over time, that doubt starts to feel real. That’s the dangerous part.
Because it’s not always about your capability. Sometimes it’s about the voice you keep hearing repeatedly.
I think one of the most important things we can learn is this: To recognise our “Shalyas” early and to keep them in check.
Not everyone deserves that kind of access to your mind. Because even the strongest person can feel weakened if the voice beside them keeps telling them they’re not enough.
So maybe it’s less about proving them wrong…and more about not letting their words become your truth.
“Be careful who sits beside you , not everyone who guides your path believes in your journey.
-Jahnavi Chowdary
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