Some thoughts on government

I still see Rama-rajya as the greatest example of all government ...

The Reign Of. Righteousness

Rama Rajya 
In Rama Rajya, the rulers were expected to be of flawless character. Their morals and conduct were above reproach because of the high standards of what they expected from themselves. Nothing could corrupt their soul, not offers of high office nor heaven. They preferred to suffer personal privation rather than act in any way that would taint their soul with any act of immorality. Their characters were unsullied by greed, avarice, lies or evil of any sort. Raj dharma of highest moral order was astutely cultivated. Promises, once given, are followed through with zeal, even at personal cost.

The ruled in those days expected such perfection from their rulers. They expected the rulers to be perfect in their personal and pubic life. The rulers were meant to be better than the ruled, providing shining examples for others to follow.

A critical approach on Rama-Rajya:

Focus is on responsibilities (which naturally fulfil the rights of others)

Varna-ashrama is an “ideal” system but has become redundant in the world in which we live - a democratic, multicultural, global society with the values of equality and equal opportunities for all, the right to education, liberty, the dignity of the individual and participation in governance etc. There are many who would like to see the varna-ashrama system reinstated - but this is like wishing for Rama-rajya - a nice idea but actually a fantasy. In order to compete in the political, intellectual and spiritual millieu of today it would be best for Srivaishnavas to relegate the system to the glass cases of cultural museums or to use it merely as a framework for teaching ideals.