Indian ethos and Values

Indian Ethos in Management refers to the values and practices that the culture of India (Bharatheeya Sanskriti) can contribute to service, leadership and management. These values and practices are rooted in Sanathana Dharma (the eternal essence), and have been influenced by various strands of Indian philosophy.

Indian ethos for management means the application of principles of management as revealed in our ancient wisdom brought forth in our sacred books like our Gita, Upanishads, Bible and Quran.

The ancient Indian Education was basically aimed at personal growth of individual. Our education system is the oldest in the world and is having some qualities which are not there anywhere else in the world and we are proud of this. The aim of ancient Indian Education System was not only to give theoretical knowledge but to make an individual humble so that he can get ‘Mukti’. The ultimate aim of human society of that age was the achievement of absolute i.e. ‘Brahma’ it was prevailing in the entire visible world.

A man should engage himself in ‘Karmopasna’ i.e. work is worship and thus purity his inner senses and gain the absolute. The main aim of all the education during ancient period was to make the student useful and pious member of society. This was the second aim of education. This was achieved by proper development of moral feelings. It was believed that mere intellectual knowledge was not enough to become a learned fellow; in addition, the student must be pure in his life, thoughts and habits. This was the third main characteristic of Hindu Educational System. This was realized by encouraging self- confidence, fostering self-respect and self-restraint. Graduate students were highly inspired during convocation address to be useful member of the society. A graduate student was not to lead a self-centered life rather he was constantly remained of his obligations to the society. Social life in villages was very stable and well-ordered as education transformed people and made them conscious of their social duties and civic responsibilities. During the ancient period, Aryans evolved a peculiar system for promoting the progress of different art forms and professions. In the society, a particular caste was restricted to a particular occupation. Eventually, this system has resulted in general progress and happiness of society. In the ancient system of education this was one of the most important aims. People were very much conscious of their culture.

Basic Principles of Indian Ethos for Management (IEM):

1. Immense potential, energy and talents for perfection as human being has the spirit within his heart.
2. Holistic approach indicating unity between the Divine (the Divine means perfection in knowledge, wisdom and power), individual self and the universe.
3. Subtle, intangible subject and gross tangible objects are equally important. One must develop one’s Third Eye, Jnana Chaksu, the Eye of Wisdom, Vision, Insight and Foresight. Inner resources are much more powerful than outer resources. Divine virtues are inner resources. Capital, materials and plant & machinery are outer resources.
4. Karma Yoga (selfless work) offers double benefits, private benefit in the form of self Purification and public benefit.
5. Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam: Excellence at work through self-motivation and

Self development with devotion and without attachment. Co-operation is a powerful instrument for team work and success in any enterprise involving collective work. Principles of IEM are universally applicable. IEM can help develop an effective and holistic management pattern which will assure all round growth in productivity, marketing and profitability. This will help in synchronizing private and public benefits and encourage individuals to lead an enriched quality of life together with worldly achievements. The best form of management has to be holistic and value driven which is the objective of IEM.

The silent ideas and thoughts of Indian Ethos in Management revealed by Indian’s ancient scriptures are:

1. Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha: All work is an opportunity for doing well to the world and thus gaining materially and spiritually in our lives.
2. Archet Dana Manabhyam: Worship people not only with material things but also by showing respect to their enterprising divinity within.
3. Atmana Vindyate Viryam: Strength and inspiration for excelling in work comes from the Divine, God within, through prayer, spiritual reading and unselfish work.
4. Yogah Karmashu Kaushalam, Samatvam Yoga Uchyate: He who works with calm and even mind achieves the most.
5. Yadishi Bhavana Yasya Siddhi Bhavati Tadrishi: As we think, so we succeed, so we become. Attention to means, ensure the end.
6. Parasparam Bhavatantah Shreyah Param Bhavapsyathah: By mutual cooperation, respect and fellow felling, all of us enjoy the highest good both material and spiritual.
7. Tesham Sukhm Tesham Shanti Shaswati: Infinite happiness and infinite peace come to them who see the Divine in all beings.
8. Paraspar Devo Bhava: Regard the other person as a divine being.

All of us have the same consciousness though our packages and containers are different.

Indian ethos is needed due to the following reasons:

1. Maintain Holistic Universe: Modern science has accepted that in this holistic universe, all minds and matters are interconnected at a deeper level. The basic unity of life cannot be broken. Love, sacrifice therefore emerges as the only means for a meaningful living. On the basis of this holistic vision, Indians have developed work ethos of life. This helps in living life to the fullest.
2. Elucidate Motivation: Concept of motivation can be explained holistically by Indian ethos. Considering motivations as internal, every human being has the same divine atman with immense potentialities within. Vedanta brings infinite expansions of the mind, breaks down all the barriers and brings out the God in man. Motivation is to be internal and not external. Such motivation involves the inner beauty and does not promote any greed in an individual to have more and more in return for his work.
3. Welfare: Indian ethos teaches welfare of all (yagna spirit). “Atmano Mokharth Jagat Hitay Cha” (serve your personal interest but do not forget others). This philosophy is needed in modern times.
4. Unique Work Culture: Indian ethos helps in development of unique work culture. Work is considered as duty or Sadhana and there is no difference between Karma(work) and Dharma(religion). The term Dharma does not indicate any particular religion. Dharma is a duty to be performed in a given situation. Thus, Dharma is possible through Karma only.
5. Evenness of Mind: Indian ethos helps in evenness of mind. Means are equally important as the ends. Thus, society acceptable values are to be followed in determining the objectives as well as in the process of achieving these objectives.
6. Self-development: Integrated human personality of self-developed manager can assure best and competent management of any enterprise, involving collective works and efforts. The refined or higher consciousness will adopt holistic attitude. It will bring out the divine in man. It will achieve perfection or excellence in whatsoever sector of work. One shall achieve peace, harmony and prosperity within and without, i.e., in the internal world and in the external world simultaneously.
7. Provides Concentration: Vedanta provides the ways and means of controlling the mind. It helps to concentrate, increase efficiency, productivity and prosperity. It is not religion of resignation and retirement. One cannot renounce their action. As the Gita says “You have to be a man of action, do not run away from your action or Karma but the same should be according to your Dharma”. The second aspect, is while doing the Karma; do not be tempted by worldly pleasures, materialism and the results. One has to be man of action, working in a spirit of renunciation. Renunciation does not mean living a life of isolation or living in a forest. One has to face the world and should not run away from your action. Do not get attached to anything.
8. Establishes Value System: Many of the present ills are the results of decline in our value system and loss of character. Forces of fierce competition in the technology driven era of globalisation have taken a heavy toll of traditional values. People need to re-imbibe the sanatan values of honesty, integrity, compassion, care and cooperation.

There is again a need to establish conduct, based on truth and non-violence, peace, and harmony. One needs to promote a secular ethos that entails ‘sarva-dharm-sambhav’. That alone will promote enshrined in our ancient maxim of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’. That will be India’s unique contribution towards enrichment of content of globalisation which today has its focus only on trade and commerce.