Bhagavad Gita A Behavioural Approach

Bhagavad Gita
A Behavioral Approach to Management

ABSTRACT

Management is the art and craft of getting things done by others. .

Management, an age-old concept is invariably a goal-driven activity and
man is the cynosure. India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a
rich treasure of knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country, we
lack management philosophy. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters,
Bhagavad Gita contains beautiful ideas of the principles of management.
The behavioral approach Krishna applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna to
action has no parallel even in modern management philosophy. Action is
given its due importance. Work itself is the pathway to realisation .
Management creates a condition in which people are willing to work with
interest, enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, discipline, a sense of responsibility,
belongingness, pride and confidence so that the goal of the organization can
be achieved. The realisation has to be obtained through one’s own duties.
One has to do one’s bounden duties (niyatam kuru karmatvam 3-8) with
utmost devotion (bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of sacrifice.(yajna
bhavena) . This will bring spiritual perfection and spiritual ennoblement.
Work itself is the source of satisfaction. The dialogue between Krishna and
Arjuna (krishnarjuna samvadam) is an exemplary example of effective
communication. The application of our traditional management concepts in
solving modern management problems is the need of the day. The man-
making gospels and people-building philosophies available in our ancient
literature will help modern managers to attain managerial excellence

Management is getting things done by others. It means that the manager

must make others undertake specific task. Every task is directed towards an
objective An average man must be directed, motivated and propelled to
action. The traditional theory of management has it that, man is inherently
idle and indifferent to his duties. He shows an inherent dislike towards his
duties. He does not work unless forced, coerced, influenced or induced. An
external motivation is needed.. Hence management philosophy developed
different functions like direction, motivation, leadership etc. All these
functions are not possible without communication and coordination. Hence
these five functions assume great importance in management.

Man: The First Syllable

Man the first syllable in the word “management” is very important in any
management science. It is his efforts, which are to be directed towards the
set goal. The human effort is the product of his inner drive, desires, motives,
attitudes, interest and personality. Desire is the root cause of any behavior. It
is the mother of all human activities. “ Man is born with the desire to obtain
happiness, which is the primary motivation for all his actions,” says Robert
Owen. Hence these aspects form the core of the study of human behavior at
work. Behavioral approach to management gives much importance to these
core competencies. The study of management is the study of human
behavior. Right from the beginning, the human side of management was
emphasized in the study of management however, it was the management
gurus like Elton Mayo, Roethelisberger, Herbert Simon, Chris Argrys etc.
who developed the science successfully.

According to the traditional Indian theories, work is worship. We work for

the welfare and well-being of human being.(lokasmgraha meva api
sampasyan kartvam arhasi). To an average Indian, work itself is the source
of satisfaction. Balagangadhara Tilak in his book GitaRahasyam says, “ any
act which a man performs is either for obtaining happiness or for warding
off unhappiness”. The goal of human activities is happiness and happiness is
the sauce of life

Indian Management Thoughts

India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasure of

knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country we lack management
philosophy. We have illustrious ideas in management scattered in the
various epics of yore. We Indians, with a western orientation, fail to trace
out the treasures of this knowledge lying aplenty in Mahabharata
,Ramanayana, Arthasastra ,Nitisataka ,sukraniti ,Vidura vakya
,Yogavasishtam etc. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavad Gita
contains beautiful ideas about the principles of management. All these 700
verses are interpreted inducing immense interest to our modern managers.
All these verses have their own reflections and ramifications on management
functions like planning, direction, communication, coordination motivation
and leadership. It has the techniques to improve the knowledge, skill and
education of the common man and make him more efficient and competent.
It has the capacity to transform the productive potential into productivity.
The jnana yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga etc. give a wealth of ideas about
karma, dharma, swadharma, rights ,duties, responsibilities, devotion to duty ,
selfless service, human welfare etc. Had it been timely traced out , it would
have been a rich contribution to our Behaviour Scientists who developed
human resource management in the early part of the 19th century, in the
wake of World War I and II.

Krishna’s Behavioral Approach

As an expert behavior scientist and a skilled psychologist, Krishna has given

a psychological cure to the confounded Arjuna. In the Gita, Krishna
motivates Arjuna, using the theories which in fact were developed much
later to Bhagavad Gita. It gives flashes of Maslowian Need Hierarchy, Mc
Gregorian XY theory, Chris Argyrys Immaturity Maturity Theory etc .
Krishna identified the physiological and psychological problems of Arjuna.
He was prescribing a spiritual panacea those physical and psychological
problems.

According to behavior scientist’s human behavior is caused by certain

impulses. The reason may be an internal feeling (motive) or an external
environment (stimuli). Behavior is determined by the situation. Inherent in
the situation, are the environmental forces that shape and determine his
behavior at any given moment. It is such a strong situation that had changed
the basic attitude of Arjuna. A sense of delusion and deep depression that
overwhelmed this great warrior must have raised many an eyebrow

Arjuna Vishada Yogam

Arjuna was an archer of eminence. His physical prowess was unbeatable and
he had an enviable mental stability as evinced in all his earlier performances.
He was the most powerful among the kurus (kurunandana ) . Due to his
unparalleled physical prowess (mahabaho), he was considered the bull
among the men (purusharshabha) most dear to Krishna. He became sensitive
and a slave to the situation, on seeing his kinsmen in the battlefield ready to
fight one another. The most efficient among the pandavas had put his
weapon down abruptly, on seeing his friends and relatives on the rival side.
He turned nervous and tears rolled down his eyes ( astrupoorna
kuleksanam). It was unexpected and unbecoming of a warrior of Arjuna’s
stature and that too at a moment of crisis ( visame samupasistatam).

Psychological factors are also important in shaping the behavior of a person.

Repressed emotions accumulate tremendous amount of dynamic energy,
which must necessarily seek a field of expression. Arjuna was overtaken by
repression and behaved like a victim of perfect neurosis. On the day
previous to the Great War, the shrewd, blind Dhritarashtra, the father of
Kauravas, sent Sanjaya, his emissary to Arjuna with a secret message. This
message full of mischievous import, sowed the seeds of disastrous ideas in
the mind of Arjuna, directing his energies caused by the repression of his
emotions into wrong channels, so that he became hapless and neurotic in the
face of great challenge

Conflict Resolution

The approach adopted by Sree Krishna to manage the crisis situation was
superb. The behavioral approach he applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna
to action has no parallel even in modern management philosophy. A
flabbergasted Krishna rises to the occasion and advises his best friend. The
leadership quality he has shown is really laudable. He invokes his power and
authority to influence the behavior of Arjuna and catapults him to optimum
efficiency. He has to elicit the positive qualities within the Pandava King,
Arjuna. The inter- personal influence applied by Madhusudana in that
difficult situation in directing his depressed friend through his
communication skill, was outstanding. He instilled confidence in Arjuna,
disclosing the secrets of his life and mission, which enhanced his morale and
transformed his productive potential into productivity

Human Resource Management

The theory of personnel management says that the level of performance of a

worker is a function of both capabilities and motivation. It is an act of
stimulating some one or one self to take a direct course of action to arouse,
sustain and maintain a behaviour. The least form of behavior is action. All
actions are aroused. All actions are caused. All actions are goal-driven.
Hence every behavior is caused.

Management creates a condition in which people are willing to work with

interest, enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, discipline, sense of responsibility,
belongingness, pride and confidence so that the goal of the organization is
achieved. It builds up a force that activates dormant energies in individuals
and sets their actions in motion towards the accomplishment of desired
objectives. It is essential to instill in people a sense of purpose in their work
so that they can realise how their efforts will contribute to the well-being and
welfare of the society, so that they can have confidence in their own true
worth which is the mark of freedom.

While emphasizing the prime importance of getting things done by others in

an organization, it is also vital that an employee be recognized as an
individual, giving due respect to his dignity, integrity and self respect.
Arjuna was the personification of power and prowess. But all his powers
were drained due to the pressure of the situation. Krishna had to activate the
lost energy and instill a new vigour in Arjuna. Assuming the role of a
manager, Krishna motivates Arjuna towards his goal, by making him aware
of his role, responsibilities, duties, aims, and objectives

Mc Gregor’s Theory X&Y.

The basic assumption of X theory of Mc.Gregor is that the average man by

nature is indolent, he works as little work as possible, lacks ambition,
dislikes responsibility, prefers to be led, inherently self-centered, ego-
centric, and indifferent. He is, by nature, resistant to change and always
displays negative behavior. The behavior pattern of pauranic partha suits the
X Assumptions of Mc Gregor. This behavior pattern also suits to the
management personnel of the modern times. Like pauranic partha they are
down with their weapon ( ganteevam srmsate hastat), totally disillusioned
and deluded ( seetanti mama gatrani mukham ca paricusyate), with
confusion and conflict in their mind ( bramativa ca me mana), inclined to
impotent idleness, laziness and lethargy ( na ca saknomi avastatum),They
have an inherent dislike for the work ( viparitani ca nimthani), becomes
nishkarmakamis instead of nishkamakarmis.

Such people are always idle and unwilling to take up any responsibility.
Predominantly physiological in attitudes, they easily become slaves of the
situation and victims of peripheral happenings. Such people do not have
adequate self-motivation, nor do they have any ambition for improvement or
enthusiasm for achievements. Like the deluded, depressed and sorrow
stricken Arjuna they will say na kamshese vijayam, na rajyam, na sukhani
cha. They are physically, mentally and spiritually weak.

The Man of Action :Concept of Theory Y

Mc Gregor’s Y theory considers man as most active and ever willing to

discharge his duties. This type of people considers work as natural as play.
For them work is not a painful event but an enticing experience. They are
self -driven, self-motivated and display self-control. They have the capacity
to exercise high degree of imagination, ingenuity and creativity in their
work.. They are the most energetic and enthusiastic, the progeny of lions
who assert themselves as the king of the jungle (svaymeva mrigendrata).

Swami Vivekananda describes such people as those with iron nerves and
steel muscles. Amritasya putras ( the sons of immortals) They are ever
active, bold and courageous people, most enthusiastic and faithful. Gita says
the spirited karmayogis with stability of mind and steadfastness are the real
stitaprajnas, who can perform their duties with a sense of sacrifice
(yajnabhavana), who can work with a worshipful mind, with out expecting
any fruits of action. For them, work or karma is natural and spontaneous.
They seldom turn idlers, they never idle away even a second ( nahi kascit
ksanamapi jatu tistatva karmakritu). As if impelled by some natural force
(karyate hy avasa) they go on performing their duties spontaneously (karma
sarva prakriti jairguna).

Lord Krishna himself cannot be idle, even though he has no specific duty to
perform in all the three worlds ( name partasti kartavyam thrisu lokesu
kincana). Still he does his duties (varta eva ca karmani). Because , Krishna
says, if he does not perform his duties, his followers will tend to imitate his
idleness ( yedi hy aham na varteyam jatu karmanya)

Gita says that all actions are self-propelled and not forced with a whip. No
more carrot and stick approach can be there in motivation. In order to do
one’s own bounden duties there is no need of a whip- an external punitive
force, (niyatam kuru karmatvam). Every body is happy to do his own
bounden duties( niyata karma) because according to Indian Philosophy
action is superior to inaction ( karma jyayo hi akarmanah). Frederik
Winslow Taylor (USA 1856-1951), the father of scientific management, has
an intense sense of duty and social obligation. He stated that one has to make
pleasure of duty rather than a duty of pleasure.

The Z theory developed by modern management experts is not sound. It is,

on the contrary vague in theory and in practice. It has not gained much
application in management either.

Theory of Spirituality

Gita goes beyond X,Y,and Z theory and attains a new theory of spirituality .
It can be considered as the real Z theory or a new Z-plus theory because
there is much more conceptual clarity in the theory of spiritual development
propounded in Bhagavad Gita. It aims at spiritual perfection and spiritual
development through devoted duties. Gita says one who engages in his own
occupation (svakarmaniratah 18-45) and is interested and delighted in one’s
own duties will attain spiritual perfection. Z theory speaks about self-
actualisation. But this Spiritual theory Z-plus goes further in search of
spiritual realisation - the eternal bliss - where one can express oneself
completely. It is the stage of manifestation of perfection

Works: The Pathway to Realization

Works itself is the pathway to realisation . The realisation has to be obtained

through one’s own duties. One has to do one’s bounden duties (niyatam kuru
karmatvam 3-8) with utmost devotion (bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of
sacrifice.(yajna bhavena) . This will bring spiritual perfection and spiritual
ennoblement. Work itself is the source of satisfaction

Krishna advises Arjuna to do the duties developing a spiritual attitude

(adhyatmacetasa 3-30) with a spiritual framework, without desire (nirasir)
and without any selfish motive (nirmamo) and to surrender completely to the
supreme (mayi sarvani karmani sanyasadhyatma cetasa 3-30)

A spiritually conscious person cannot idle awayeven a second (nahi kascit

ksanamapi 3-5) without doing any work. He is by nature impelled to do his
duties. Karma emanates from the Brahma, the Supreme, hence a spiritually
conscious person has to surrender all his work to the Supreme
(brahmanadhya karmani 5-10). All karmas reach the Supreme (brahma
karma samadhina 4-24)
One who resigns all his actions to Brahma and works without any personal
attachment (sangam tvaktva ) is not soiled by sin ( lipyate na sa papena 5-
10) as a lotus leaf is not welled by water ( padmpatra iva ambasa). By
abandoning the fruit of action a man of restrained mind attains abiding peace
( santim apnoti naisthikam 5-12). One who is established in selfless and
detached action ( yoga yukto 5-7) who is pure, whose mind and senses are
under control ( visudhatma, vijitatma,jitendriya 5-7) is an enlightened person
who does not get inflicted by any sin. For the attainment of mental purity
(atmasudhi) the spiritual aspirantshould work without attachment (samgam
tvaktva 5-11)

Action is Superior to Inaction

Gita says, karma or action is superior to the akarma or inaction ( karma

jyayohi akarmana 3-8) . Hence every body has to do his bounden duties
(niyatham kuru karmathvam 3-8). Spiritual perfection is obtained only by
work and not by renouncing one’s duty( 3-4) He who carries out his
bounden duties without expecting the fruits of action, with a spirit of
dedication and sacrifice ( ansrita karmaphalam karyam karma karoti yah 6-
1), is a true sanyasi and a yogi. ( sa sanyasi ca yogi ca). He has attained self
realisation and is a spiritually enlightened person

Real spiritual growth and development can be obtained only by controlling

the organs of action (karmendriyani samyamya 3-6). He who disciplines the
sense organs by his mental power (indriyani manasa samyamya 3-7) is
called a karma yogi or one who always excels in his actions. Spiritual
perfection precedes perfection in one’s action or performance. One who
conquers one’s inner energies is a tranquil person (jitatmana prasantasya 6-
7) .Hie is full of peace and himself perfect in the discharge of his duties as
he is fully established and absorbed in the supreme self ( paramatma
samahitah). When there is chaotic inner self, we cannot have the experience
of atma and excel in our duties. A realized person will remain steady all the
time amidst cold, heat, happiness and sorrow, even in honour and dishonour,
( manpamanayoh 6-7) says Gita

The great behavior scientist and management expert Dr. Mary Parker Follet
says, a human being should forget about his personality and regard himself
to be a mere trustee of his possessions. All his actions must be devoid of the
fruits of action. This is exactly the Gita’s concept of yukta karmaphalam
tvaktva for achieving mental peace.
Effective Communication

Power and authority can influence the behaviour of human being and may
bring maximum efficiency. Voluntary cooperation can be achieved with the
right leadership which has a long term effect on people’s positive behaviour.
Leadership is an inter personal influence exercised in a given situation and
directed by communication process, towards the attainment of a specialized
goal or goals. Krishna assumed the role of an efficient leader in a most
difficult situation. Every such situation creates a leader.

The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna (krishnarjuna samvadam) is an

exemplary example of effective communication. It is effective in all respects
i.e. It brings two minds together which is most important in any effective
communication. Krishna used very strong words and the appropriate idiom
while communicating to Arjuna. The message was well-delivered, credible
and convincing strong reasoning. Krishna as a communicator was all along
sensitive to the receiver’s position and condition, his needs and motives. He
acted as a very good listener, and interacted effectively. The words chosen,
at times, proved missiles targeting the mind of Arjuna. Krishna says, where
from has come this low attitude ( kutastva kasmalamidam) in the most
difficult situation (viseme samupathistitham). Keep away the unmanliness
(klaibhyam masma gama partha ) awake O Arjuna and fight the battle
(thyakta uthista paramtapa) These are some of the examples of strong words
used by Sree Krishna. May be these words thawed the frozen feelings of
Arjuna.

Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of an individual in a

given situation and fulfilling a certain predetermined objective. It is a
continuous process of influencing behavior. A good leader, by exercising his
leadership, motivates the employees to achieve high performance. He
generates confidence when he directs them, appreciates them for their
contributions and condescends to tap them on their worth. The inflated ego
of an employee is a measure of leadership effectiveness. The sense of being
important is vital for an employee involved in the process of building an
organization. A self-confident employee is happy and translates his efforts to
greater productivity and organizational efficiency. The leader feels the
efficacy of his leadership and his success is sounded off when his vision
becomes a dream come true
Human Resource Management as visualized by Max Webber, Charles
Babbage and Robert Owen has a history of 300 years. This ‘tri-centurion
concept’ has a wide and varied application in our contemporary management
practices. But several ideas conceived by the ancient Rishi, Vedavyasa, 5000
years ago in Mahabharat and Bahagavad Gita, have strong resemblance and
practical relevance in the present day management. The application of our
traditional management concepts in solving modern management problems
is the need of the day. The man-making gospels and people-building
philosophies available in our ancient literature will help modern managers to
attain managerial excellence

References
Keith Davis,Human Behaviour at work,Organisational Behavior, Tata Mc
Graw Hill, New Delhi 1983
Rudraraj,M.N., Human Factor in Management, Himalaya Publishing
House,New Delhi, 1980
Swami Chinmayananada,The Holy Gita, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust,
Bombay, 2001
Swami Ranganathanananda, Human Values in Management, Bharathiya
Vidya Bhavan, Bombay, 1991
Swami Ranganathanananda, the Universal Message of Bhagavad Gita, Vol
I,II,and III, Advaita Asram, Calcutta, 2001
Nalini V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Publications, New Delhi
2002
Khandelwal N.M.,Management concept from Mahabharath, New Century
Publications, New Delhi 2001
Kumar Srivastava,New Horizons in Management, Rupa Books
International,Jaipur 1985
Bharatiya Vicharakendram, Bhagavad gita and Modern Problems, compiled
Papers, Thiruvananthapuram 2001Chakravarthi S.K., Values and Ethics for
Organisations, Oxford Press, New Delhi 2003
Prasad L.M., Organisation Theory and Behaviour, Sultan Chand and sons,
New Delhi 1989
Jayamani (Dr.) C.V., Health Management a new Perspective, Institute of
Management Development and Research, Thruvanantha puram 1999

BHAGAVAD GITA AND MANAGEMENT

Dr.C.V.Jayamani

ABSTRACT
Bhagavad Gita contains several slokas of much significance to the art and
science of management and administration. The main theme of
“Management and Bhagavad Gita” is man’s bounden duties and their
efficient accomplishment to help attain the ultimate goal. The philosophy of
management and the Gita propound that all human actions are directed
towards a goal and that man will not relent unless and until he attains the
goal. Management is getting things done by others. It is only through
direction, coordination, motivation and leadership one can lead others to
attainment of the goal. This is exactly what SriKrishna did in the case of
Arjuna in metamorphosing him into a spirited karma yogi. Action is a
natural process while idleness is unnatural. To be active is an enchanting
experience. Man may be inherently idle. But he can be stimulated to reach
his highest potentials. Modern management is more concerned about
productive potentials and spiritual efficiency. - spiritual efficiency is the
underlying factor in prosperity. According to Gita, yoga is efficiency in
action. Spirituality is the energy behind every success. The quality of work,
in fact, is the reflection of spiritual efficiency. It is this spiritual efficiency
reflected in the quality of work that brings prosperity. Bhagavad Gita
beautifully blends the man of action and man of wisdom. beautifully. Their
convergence brings success, development and prosperity. In the modern
cyber age, we integrate Human Resource Management (HRM) and
Information Technology (IT) for facilitating managerial effectiveness .In
modern days; we have to transform our society’s impotent idleness into
energized entrepreneurship. Bhagavad Gita is capable in inspiring the idle to
be o spirited karma yogis, in revolutionizing the worshippers of idleness into
warriors of action.

The history of management is as old as the history of mankind. Man has

been managing his multifarious activities from time immemorial with tact
and knack. Most slokas in Bhagavad Gita contain great ideas of modern
management. They include planning, direction, communication,
coordination, motivation, leadership etc. Right from the first sloka,
dharmaksetre kuruksethre, to the last one ending with the term matir mama
is of significance to management and administration. Duties and
responsibilities are important in management. Bhagavad Gita, all along
speaks about one’s own duty (mama dharma) and bounden duty
(swadharma). All actions should be goal-oriented and those actions should
be reinforced with dharma (righteousness). There should be ethics and
values in business and profession. Gita contains 700 slokas. Of the total 18
chapters, chapters 3, 6, 12 and 18 are of particular importance in regard to
management,

Management is essentially man- management. The important task of the

manager is to manage the mind of the people around him and the minds are
often turbulent. In modern parlance, management (syllabi zed MAN-AGE-
ME-NT) is a process of motivating and directing. Man, the first syllable of
management. The aim of management is to attain the goal in an efficient
manner. (AGE) by transforming each person into a motivated entrepreneur
(ME) to undertake his own bounden duties, i.e. the natural task (NT).

MANAGEMENT

MAN: The natural man

AGE: Accomplishment of Goal Efficiently
ME Motivated Entrepreneur
NT Natural Task

Indian Traditional Management

India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasury of

knowledge. It may sound odd that there is lack of management philosophy in
such a country. We have illustrious ideas of management scattered in the
various epics of yore. We Indians, with western bias and Meccaulian
mindset fail to trace out the treasures of knowledge lying aplenty in
Mahabharat, Ramayana, Arthsastra, Nitisataka, Sukraneethi, Viduravakya,
Yogavasishta etc. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavad Gita
contains beautiful ideas of management principles. All the 700 verses are
interpreted to be of immense interest to our modern management gurus.

Management is a man-making gospel according to Sri Ramakrishna

Paramahamsa. To his disciple Swami Vivekananda, it is a people building
philosophy. Modern management can be considered as the karma yoga of
kaliyuga. Management is an art, science or a craft of converting an idle man
to a motivated entrepreneur, Carrying out his natural task and accomplishing
the goal in the most efficient manner. In Gait, perspective management can
be defined as a process of making an alarming person (inactive idle man) a
spirited karma yogi for attaining his ultimate goal (moksha) through a
dharmic way of doing things. Dharma, karma, yajna and sreya are its pre-
requisites. The teachings of Bhagavad Gita will be of immense help to
modern managers in attaining their goal in an efficient manner. Gita is thus a
guide to good management.

Getting Things Done by Others

Management is the art of getting things done by others. It directs and

motivates the persons towards the set goals. It persuades others to cooperate
and coordinate their efforts in achieving the pre-set goals. The style adopted
by the modern management is to inspire the idle minds so as to be pro
active. Gita does exactly the same. It stimulated the deluded Arjuna and
transformed him into a spirited karma yogi. The relentless actions of the
subordinate help reach the goals easily. The kadopanishaidic principle -
“awake arise stop not till the goal is reached” becomes a pertinent
management principle.

Arjuna Vishada Yoga Vs Peter Principle

Core competence and competitive advantage are two terms which are
currently discussed across the globe. According to Peter Principle, in an
organization, there are certain people who cannot perform because of their
inherent incapability. Such people when promoted to higher posts “tend to
become incompetent to carry out their job”. It will create a situation where “
an employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence” (Lawrence J.Peter).
Arjuna never had any inherent weakness. But in a difficult situation, he
proved the product of the environment and a slave to the situation, thereby
showing symptoms of incompetence

Efficiency in Action

Several management experts have attempted to study the attitudinal changes

of workers in order to activate and motivate them to become efficient
entrepreneurs. Motivation is the process of impelling the idle and inactive
into dynamic action. SriKrishna applied this motivational technique to
transform the deluded Arjuna into a spirited karma yogi. In this context
SriKrishna advises Arjuna to get rid of klaibhyam. Klaibhyam in Sanskrit
means unmanliness, or chicken heartedness. SriKrishna inspires Arjuna and
exhorts him to arise and awake, true to the spirit of a warrior. Waging war is
the natural task of a ksatriya. It is his bounden duty to fight to the finish. He
has to undertake this assigned task with due sense of pride and privilege,
with a sense of service and sacrifice (yajna bhavana). He should over power
and annihilate the enemy for the protection of the fellow beings, for the
welfare and well-being of the society (loka samgraha mevapi). He has to do
his bounden duties with dexterity, with utmost efficiency (kausalam). Yoga
Karmasu Kausalam says the Gita meaning efficiency in action is yoga.

Work; as Natural as a Game

Gita says that for human beings work is a natural phenomenon. Nobody can
remain idle. Krishna says that even if one is assigned no specific duty in
these three worlds, he does his duties himself continuously. Krishna suggests
that if one remains idle, those who follow him also tend to remain idle. In
modern management every work is as natural as a game. Work is an
enchanting experience The entertainment part of the work will prompt every
person to work hard. The sportive spirit in the game keeps off boredom. It is
true that management perceives man as inherently idle. But every effort is
taken to transform his basic passiveness (immaturity) to activity (maturity)
says Chris Argiris in his Maturity-Immaturity theory of Motivation. With
regard to relentless work, worshipful work, devotion to duty, natural task etc
there is not much difference between Bhagavad Gita and modern
management.

Productivity and Prosperity

Modern management is more concerned with productivity and prosperity.

These are achieved through planning, direction, motivation coordination etc.
These actions are generally called management functions. According to
modern management principles, goal can be achieved through coordination
of efforts. Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes this aspect emphasising that
prosperity (sreyas) can be attained through cooperation (parasparam
bhavayantha). If one does this natural duty with devotion and dedication,
Gita says, one can attain not only growth and development, but success
(vijayam), prosperity (sree) and progress. Spirituality is the energy behind
every success.

Well-being of the Society

Often we do our duty for self-development and self-satisfaction. Gita says, if
we do not perform our duties properly even the protection of our body is not
possible. Besides self-development one has to aim also at developing the
society in toto. Gita argues that one has to do his duties for the welfare and
well being of the society. (lokasamgrahamevapi). In this context the words
of Robert Owen (UK 1771-1858), the Father of Personnel Management is
noteworthy. He said, “Management is a philosophy for human welfare
development” to quote FW Taylor (USA 1856-1951) “the principal object of
management should be to ensure maximum prosperity to the individual.

Total Quality Management

There are several synonymous ideas in Bhagavad Gita which are tantamount
to the TQM. A spiritually charged person can never remain idle. He will
pursue his goal and not stop till the goal is reached. He is conscious about
the quality of his work. This mind set leads him to perfection and excellence.
Ethics or righteousness is very vital in any activity. It is the ethics in work
that maintains the quality of the work. According to modern management
work + ethic =efficiency. Gita says, the dexterity in action is yoga (Yogasu
karmasu kausalam. The action that is reinforced with ethics is called
efficient action. This is really a value addition to the natural task.

Man of Wisdom and Man of Action

Modern management beautifully blends the knowledge, skill and experience

for attaining the goal. Action and wisdom are two wings on which one can
fly sky high in their performance. In management, brainpower and bran
power are blended beautifully. In Bhagavad Gita Vyasa visualized this
convergence in the most scientific manner. In the last sloka. Yathra
yogeswara krishno yathra partho dhanurdhara for success growth and
prosperity the man of action (dhanurdharas) and the man of wisdom
(yogeswaras) are to be in harmony. In the cyber age, we integrate HRM and
IT which are very important in management

Manifestation of Perfection

Man and his mind are two important factors for prosperity. The mood and
motive propel man into action. Action leads to achievement. What we
perceive as progress in this world is the manifestation of human actions. It is
the expression of one’s behavior. Action is one way of expression.
Education according to Swami Vivekananda is the manifestation of
perfection within man. It should not be the manifestation of perversion. An
integrated approach to human life, a holistic living, is what takes us to the
path of perfection. We Indians right from the period of Isavasya Upanishad
are the worshippers of perfection, which leads us to spirituality and
prosperity.

An economic policy aims at the progress and prosperity of the people. It can
never be anti-people, but has to be always pro-people and people friendly. It
should be aimed at the welfare and well being of the society. Gita as a
philosophy of prosperity perceives growth, prosperity and firm policy to the
people. It aims at the welfare of one and all. The interests of the have and the
have-not, the rich and the poor, are all taken into consideration. The course
of action followed is cooperation, coordination and collective responsibility.

Lift Thyself by Thyself

Bhagavad Gita preaches the philosophy of self-management. Gita’s

philosophy is to keep everybody independent, self-contented, self-stimulated
and self-motivated. Development through self-development of the policy of
Gita. Gita says that we have to raise ourselves, by ourselves. Do not depend
on others. We ourselves are our friends and we ourselves are our enemies
too. (Udharet atman atmanam na atmanam avasadayet We ourselves create
our own hell and heaven for us. Never blame others and never pass the buck.
Do your duty, take up your responsibility. Do not shirk duties. Do your
duties in a selfless manner with a sense of service.

Gita and the Cyber-age Challenges

The modern concept of cybernetic is not alien or averse to India. India is the
land where everyone prays “akhanda mandalakaram vyaptam yena
characharam” which means the supreme power which is widespread the
entire world over. This traditional Indian concept is akin to the modern
world wide web (www). In modern times we find a visible shift in
paradigms. Majority of them are modifications of earlier concepts or a
natural transformation of ideas. Very often there occurs a positive change on
an idea well conceived in our ancient scriptures. For example, the new
phrase of ‘global village’ and ‘globe as a small village’ was well-conceived
millenniums back by our forefathers as vasudhaiva kudumbakam, which
means world is one family. Bharthruhari in his famous book Nitisathaka also
mentioned this concept beautifully as yetra viswam bhavat eka needam,
which means world has become a bird’s nest. The new concept of
knowledge society was also not unknown to our ancestors. The ideas
conceived by the Great Guru Vyasa still hold good in modern management
and other disciplines.

The new age technologies, no doubt, have given a new impetus to modern
life. They have given the required order and speed to life. They have helped
human efforts a lot. But never did it replace the human head, heart or hand.
For all our achievements, human actions are highly essential. But we have to
transform the casual aimless actions into conscious ones. In the modern
times one has to convert efforts into endeavor, efficiency, effectiveness and
finally into excellence. As Gita puts it efficiency in action (karmasu kausala)
is yoga (the ultimate perfection)

Mind is the mechanism, which makes one transform the efforts into
excellence. It changes according to the mood and motive. Computer cannot
change the mood and motive of an idle mind. It can at best carry out the task
assigned in a systematic manner at high speed. Bhagavad Gita and similar
other ancient philosophy can activate an idle person into a spirited karma
yogi. That is why such philosophies retain their privileged position even
now. And that is the relevance of Gita in modern computer age.

Idle Mind -Devil’s Workshop

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. Impotent idleness is on the increase

Laziness and lethargy has gripped all walks of life Idleness is an important
problem faced by modern people. Indians always believed in nishkaama
karma (work without wages. Service without salary) now modern Indian has
changed the paradigm into nisharmakamis (wages without work, salary
without service)

We have to transform our society’s impotent idleness to energized

entrepreneurship. We have to take the people from passivity to activity.
Bhagavad Gita is capable for guiding the lazy people to spirited karmayogis,
transforming the worshippers of idleness into warriors of action.
Gita imparts strength and stability in the minds of our people for taking up
the new challenges of the global economy. We need a balanced and stable
mind unaffected by gain or loss, pain or pleasure, praise or contempt,
brickbats or bouquets. Such strong willed person can only succeed.
Spirituality is the secret of success and that is the strength of Bhagavad Gita.
Gita can effectively solve several of the Cyber age problems.

References

Kumar Srivastava, New Horizons of Management, Printwell Publishers,

Jaipur, 1990
Khandelwal N.M., Management concepts from Mahabharath, New Century
Publicn. New Delhi 2001
Nalini. V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Deep Publications, New
Delhi, 2002
Swami Chinmayananda, The Holi Gita, Chinmaya Mission Trust, Faridabad,
2001
Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of Bhagavad Geeta,
Advaita Ashram, Calcutta, 2001
Bharatiya Vichar Kendram, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Problems,
Trivandrum, 2001
Jayamani, C.V., Health Management- A New Perspective, IMDR,
Trivandrum, 2000
Pitamber Bhat, Management, Vishal Publications, New Delhi 1984
Chakraborty, S.K. Ethics in Management: Vedantic Perspective, Oxford
India, and New Delhi, 1995
Chakraborty, S, K, Values and Ethics for Organisation, Oxford India, New
Delhi, 2003

Bhagavad Gita -
Towards an Effective Communication.

ABSTRACT
Effective communication has now become an important topic of discussion
in the corporate world as well as in college campuses. Effective
communication is very essential in any type of social groupings. It is the
lifeblood of an organization. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of
continuous dialogue between Arjuna and Sree Krishna In the Indian
perspective, communication is an interpersonal process. . Intimacy and inter
personal relationship are very important in making communication effective.
Bhagavad Gita as a dialogue between SreeKrishna and Arjuna is the best
example of effective communication. Sanjaya was acting as the special
correspondent of doordarsan (the ancient version) reporting everything live
to the King. Sanjaya was applying his professional skill in journalism in
making the headlines using appropriate words. This is an example of using
appropriate idiom in messages thereby making communication effective.
Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its sterling position even
today. It sheds much light on management principles and practices;
especially on effective communication.

Whether it is in individual interactions, social gatherings or business

proceedings, communication is the key element. A boy may be intelligent
but his performance in an interview depends upon his communication skill.
The poor communication skill of Kerala candidates proves catastrophic in
their career advance.

The word communication is derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which
means common. It also means information. Communication is imminently
essential in business, in government, in military organizations, hospital
schools, communities, and homes and anywhere people interact one another.

Individuals in organizations performing different activities are functionally

related. The working and maintenance of this functional relationship is
possible only through communication and coordination. Thus it becomes an
important function of management. Communication provides for exchange
of information and sharing of ideas.

Communication thus becomes a necessary element in human relationships

by providing for the foundation for human interaction. It performs the
energizing function in the organsiation by transmitting information, facts,
feelings, and ideas and thereby making coordinated efforts possible.
Communication can as such be regarded as the basic to the functioning of
the organization.

The basic objective of communication is to bring two minds together and

this can be possible only when what the sender means is understood in the
same way by the receiver. Clarity of communication facilitates exchange of
ideas. Two- way communication brings two minds together which is the
basic core of any communication. It involves a continuous dialogue between
the sender and the receiver. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of
continuous dialogue between Arjuna and Sree Krishna

An Interpersonal Process

According to Indian perspective the communication is an interpersonal

process. Its smooth flow is adversely affected in the absence of close
interpersonal relationship based on mutual respect, trust and confidence.
Intimacy and inter personal relationship are very important in making
communication effective. Bhagavad Gita as a dialogue between Sree
Krishna and Arjuna is the best example of effective communication. The
intimacy in their interaction is a noted feature. This advantage is
compounded by the personal touch of the parties involved in the
communication. The conversation between SreeKrshna and Arjuna is by
addressing each other by name, the name which is very dear each other.
Arjuna addresses Sree Krishna as Achyuta, Kesava, Madhava Madhusudana
etc. In response, Sree Krishna calls Arjuna as Partha, Kauntheya etc. This
personal touch and intimacy makes their communication highly effective.

Effective Communication

There are various ways of making communication effective. The American

Management Association has suggested Ten Commandments of good
communication. They are clarity of idea, purpose of communication,
understanding the physical and human environment of communicators,
consulting others in planning communication, contents and overtones of
communication, follow up action, importance of communication, action
congruent with communication and good listening.

All these Ten Commandments and more are reflected in the dialogue
between Sree Krishna and Arjuna in the Kurukshetra battlefield.

Bhagavad Gita - A Model

Bhagavad Gita is the best book on effective communication. It starts with

the sloka of a blind emperor, Dhritarashtra, who is asking his minister for
information as to what is going on in Kurukshetra. Sanjaya, who is blessed
with the capacity to see and hear what is going on in the battlefield while
sitting with the emperor, gives a live picture about Kurukshethra

As a reporter, he narrated whatever he saw in the battlefield in 19 slokas.

This is available in the fist chapter of Bhagavad gita. These slokas are a
running commentary of the happenings in Kurukshetra. It is the first ever-
live telecast of an event.

Two-Way Communication

To be effective the communications must be two way. But in India it is

mostly one way even today when we preach participation in management
philosophy. In the Indian situation, communication is directed down ward
and upward communication does seldom happens. Indian managers even to
day believe in issuing orders and are not bothered about getting any feed
back.

The Vedanta philosophy is taught to the student during an intimate and free
discussion between the teacher and the taught. In no other religion in the
world do we find so much freedom allowed to the disciple to ask freely
questions, to argue openly and to contradict the statement made by his
teacher. This is an example of effective teaching and learning.

Vedanta being a complete and exhaustive science of religion, the great rishis
never bypass the intellect of the disciple. The masters of old encouraged
doubts and invited discussions. This was the Indian tradition in learning and
communication. It was always two - way. A dialogue

A Good Listener Too

A good communicator should be a good listener too. All along in Bhagavad

gita two persons are getting ample time and opportunity to speak and listen.
In order to elicit the complete ideas and the feelings within Arjuna, Sree
Krishna continuously maintained his dignified silence. Even while Arjuna
repeating the same arguments time and again SreeKrshna refuses to speak.
He maintained his pregnant silence. But so eloquent was his silence. He was
rather encouraging Arjuna with a provocative smile. Bhagavan intervened
only when Arjuna lost all arguments. He broke his silence with a smiling
face (prahasinnava).
Language in Communication

The slokas 28 to 46 contained in the fist chapter clearly depict the mental
condition of Arjuna positioned in between two armies. Management experts
say that the language used for communication should be such that it could be
understood by the receiver. One way of making the communication simple is
by using familiar words and phrases. The words selected should be
appropriate to the situation. The language used by Vyasa to depict the
depressed condition of Arjuna is very appropriate. Arjuna’s body language
also correlates to the situation. Arjuna becomes an expression of delusion.

Sanjaya keeps on giving a blow by blow account of every incident, of course

with emphasis on significant developments with headlines, in bolds and in
box. Sanjaya opens the second chapter with a beautiful statement on the
mental condition of Arjuna with usages - “deeply grieved”, “overwhelmed
with pity”, “tears rolling from the eyes of Arjuna” etc. Sanjaya was applying
his professional expertise in reporting with aptly worded headlines. This is
an example of using appropriate language in for effective communication.

Empathy in Communication

Psychologists are of the view that empathy is very essential in

communication. For effective communication, the communicator has is to be
sensitive to the receiver’s moods, feelings and perceptions. This is what
psychologists call empathy in communication. Sree Krishna was showing all
empathy that Arjuna deserved in that situation while reacting to Arjuna’s
arguments. He used sharp words without hurting the soft sentiments of his
friend.

Effective communication is an essential ingredient of modern management.

It has added importance in the new age of information technology. But the
traditional knowledge in communication which India possesses has not lost
its charm even today. Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its
sterling position. It sheds much light on management principles and
functions; especially on effective communication.
References

Kumar Srivastava, New Horizons of Management, Printwell Publishers,

Jaipur, 1990
Khandelwal N.M., Management concepts from Mahabharath, New Century
Publication. New Delhi 2001
Nalini. V. Dave, Vedanta and Management, Deep Deep Publications, New
Delhi, 2002
Swami Chinmayananda, The Holi Gita, Chinmaya Mission Trust, Faridabad,
2001
Swami Ranganathananda, The Universal Message of Bhagavad Geeta,
Advaita Ashram,
Calcutta, 2001
Bharatiya Vichar Kendram, Bhagavad Gita and Modern Problems,
Trivandrum, 2001
Jayamani, C.V., Health Management- A New Perspective, IMDR,
Trivandrum, 2000
Pitamber Bhat, Management, Vishal Publications, New Delhi 1984
Prasad, L.M. Organisation theory and Behaviour, sultan Chand and Co. New
Delhi 1990
Chakraborty , S.K. Ethics in Management: Vedantic Perspective, Oxford
India, New Delhi, 1995
Chakraborty , S,K, Values and Ethics for Organisation , Oxford India, New
Delhi, 2003

Bhagavad Gita and Management

Bhagavad Gita contains several slokas of management and administrative

significance. The main theme of management and Bhagavad Gita is man’s
bounden duties and the efficient accomplishment of ultimate goal. These two
philosophies believe that all human actions are goal directed and man will
not stop his duties until the goal is reached.- Management is getting things
done through others. It is only through direction, coordination, motivation
and leadership one can lead others to accomplishment. This is exactly what
Srikrishna did in the case of Arjuna in metamorphosing him into a spirited
karma yogi – action is a natural process, idleness is unnatural. To work is an
enchanting experience. Man may be inherently idle. But he can be
stimulated to reach his highest potentials. Modern management is more
concerned about productive potentials and spiritual efficiency. – spiritual
efficiency is the underlying factor in prosperity. According to Gita efficiency
in action is yoga. Spirituality is the power behind every success.- the quality
of work, in fact, is the reflection of spiritual efficiency. It is this spiritual
efficiency and the quality of work that bring prosperity – Bhagavad Gita
blends the man of action and man of wisdom beautifully. The convergence
of both will bring prosperity, success and development. In modern cyber age
we integrate Human Resource Management (HRM) and Information
Technology (IT) for managerial effectiveness – in modern times we have to
transform our society’s impotent idleness into energized entrepreneurship.
Bhagavad Gita is capable in guiding the lazy people to spirited karma yogis,
in revolutionizing the worshippers of idleness into warriors of actions.

Bhagavad Gita A Behavioural Approach to Management

Management is getting things done through others. . Management, an age-

old concept is invariably a goal directed activity and man is the cynosure.
India is an ancient country with a great tradition and a rich treasure of
knowledge. One cannot believe that in such a country we lack management
philosophy. In 700 verses across eighteen chapters, Bhagavat gita contains
beautiful ideas of the principles of management. The Behavioural approach
Krisshna applied in the battle field to spur Arjuna to action has no parallel
even in the modern management philosophy. Action is given its due
importance. Works itself is the pathway to realisation . Management creates
a condition in which people are willing to work with interest, enthusiasm,
initiative, loyalty, discipline, sense of responsibility, belongingness, pride
and confidence so that the goal of the organization can be achieved. The
realisation has to be obtained through one’s own duties. One has to do one’s
bounden duties (niyatam kuru karmatvam 3-8) with utmost devotion
(bhaktibhavena) and with a sense of sacrifice.(yajna bhavena) . This will
bring spiritual perfection and spiritual ennoblement. Work itself is the source
of satisfaction. The dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna (krishnarjuna
samvadam) is an exemplary example of effective communication. The
application of our traditional management concepts in solving modern
management problems is the need for the day. The man-making gospels and
people-building philosophies available in our ancient literature will help
modern managers to attain managerial excellence

Bhagavad Gita –Towards an Effective Communication.

Effective communication is now becomes an important topic of discussion

in the corporate world as well as college campuses. Effective
communication is very essential in any type of social groupings. It is the life
blood of an organization. Bhagavad Gita is a classic example of continuous
dialogue between Arjuna and Srikrishna. According to Indian perspective
the communication is an interpersonal process. . Intimacy and inter personal
relationship are very important in making the communication effective.
Bhagavad gita as a dialogue between srikrishna and Arjuna is the best
example of effective communication. Sanjaya was acting a s the special
correspondent to doordarsan ( the ancient version) giving everything live to
the King. Sanjaya was applying his professional skill in journalism in
making the headlines using appropriate words. This is an example of using
appropriate language in messages for making the communication effective.
Among traditional wisdom Bhagavad Gita stands in its sterling position even
today. It sheds much light on management principles and functions; more
especially on effective communication.

Management by Health
Gita’s Integrated Approach to Health and Happiness

The enchanting dream of every Indian is happiness to all. Sarve bhavanthu

sukhina let every body be in good health sarve santhu nimnrmaya let every
body happy. The ultimate aim of human life is happiness. The dearest thing
to a human being is his life and all through his life he is in search of
happiness, the eternal bliss. In a number of stanzas of gita one can make out
an ocean of information about health and better living. Gita delineates the
Milky Way to health. It itself is the mild drawn by srikrishna from various
“Upanishad cows”(sarvopanishado gavo). This milky medicine is the only
remedy for the maladies of the new millennium. In the ultimate analysis one
can see that fruits and vegetables are the natural food of man. Fruits are
suitable, hygienic and healthy food on which man can build up his body and
maintain a good mental stability. Besides suitable food one should have
proper actions. One should do one’s own duties and should have devotion to
such duties. Those who do their duties with devotion will be healthy always.
Gita believes that to become healthy one should have a strong and stable
mind. He should not be disturbed by sorrows or be excited by happiness.
Natural living strongly stresses this principle. It has a new perspective on
HEALTH, where H stands for hygienic food , E for emotional equilibrium,
A for proper action, L for better life style, T for creative thinking and the last
H stands for Happiness. As a pragmatic philosophy it gives added emphasis
to dietetic righteousness and proper thinking. It also ensures emotional
equilibrium, proper lifestyle and aims at achieving eternal bliss for common
people. It encompasses a suitable health package for the young
Healthy Living for Prospective Executives
All human actions are aimed at happiness. The executives in the competitive
cyber age should be ever active, enterprising and courageous. Besides, they
should be the most dynamic, enthusiastic and faithful young group. The
modern youth, the category in which the prospective executives belong, like
the pauranic Partha are now down with their weapons. The young executives
of our country have become weak physically, mentally and morally. They
are always been inflicted with the worry of the past, excitement of the
present and the anxiety of the future. Every body is destined to do some
work. No person can be an idler. Every object in this Universe is moving
actively as if impelled by an external force. The national ideals of India are
renunciation and service. This is the high standard one can set for the others.
Spirituality is the basis of development Spirituality is defined as productive
efficiency. It is the contribution of India to the world development. Our
ancestors blend the spiritual efficiency with productive efficiency. Our
managers should be physically powerful, mentally strong, emotionally calm,
loud thinking and should aim at one’s highest capabilities. This needs a
better life style. The health seeking young executives can follow the
principles of natural living with blissful benefits. It is the best way of
keeping one’s good health in modern times. Natural Living is the best living
for the business executives. Ask mother earth for hygienic food. Ask
bhaskara (Sun) for health. Ask atman the almighty for Happiness.

Health, Personality and Excellence

Perfect health is the pathway to personality development and perfection.

Health, knowledge and money are three wealth that man should possess in
this world. Man needs physical fitness and psychological stability. Physical
fitness is part of one’s personality. A healthy mind and a healthy body are
the two wings of one’s personality. Personality is the reflection of one’s
health. It is the USP of a person. His ability, attitudes, actions are the factors
which influence his personality. In other words, one’s personality is
identified with his actions, attitudes, level of IQ, individual and group
behaviour etc Natural health provides physical fitness, strength, positive
attitude, personality development, productivity, efficiency and excellence. .
In fact the health of an object is reflected in its action. The more the health
the more efficient will be the action. The health is reflected through
productive action, positive attitude, high performance, productivity,
efficiency, excellence etc. parameters. Efficiency in action is the yoga
according to Bhagavad Gita. Upanishads invokes actions in every individual.
Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached, says Kadopanishad.
Continuous action and goal directed activities are the principles of
management. An idle mind is a devils work shop. The physical fitness,
positive attitude, intelligent approach and self confidence are the important
factors that make our efforts efficient and excellent. This we can achieve
only if we maintain a good health. A good health is therefore, a synergy of
strong body, stable mind, sharp intellect and super consciousness. The term
yoga means the union with the ultimate. It is true in health and excellence. It
is equally true in spirituality and prosperity. The Indian concept of
excellence is transformation of potential efficiency into spiritual efficiency.
Health and efficiency are the pathways to excellence, prosperity and
spirituality.

Managerial Excellence the Bhagavad Gita Perspective

The core competence that India can acclaim is in the human resource
development. In the year 2020 India would become the world’s human
resource capital. The man’s pursuit of perfection is as old as human
existence. Besides the pursuit of knowledge, India always aimed at the
pursuit of excellence also. Long before modern society thought of
productive efficiency, ancient scholars talked about spiritual efficiency and
the need for transforming former into latter. The new challenge before our
society is to make every body productive and competitive. In the new cyber
age we are more concerned about the core competency of the human beings.
We want the man of action. we also need the man wisdom. This concept was
well conceived in the last sloka of Bhagavad Gita. In a knowledge society
that is fast changing its technology we need synergy of skill, education and
experience. In every field of activity man is the pivot. Incidentally, in
management the first syllable is man. Management speaks about the
activated man and the accomplished man. Interestingly, it also becomes the
topic of Bhagavad Gita ; the karma yogi ( activated man) concept and the
mukta sanga (realized man). In traditional and modern management utmost
importance is given human resource development. Modern management
speaks about HRD whereas traditional management about SD, self
development. Gita is a book on self management. Every Indian guided by
his traditional philosophy will be an ignited soul and never be inherently
idle. He will always a spirited karmayogi , a self motivated entrepreneur;
most efficient, most effective and most excellent in his performance. But the
modern man is inherently idle and would like to be in that state of impotent
idleness until and until he is motivated. . For efficient performance and
excellence we need a strong body, a stable mind, sharp intellect and a super
conscousness. Health promotes efficiency. Productive efficiency leads to
spiritual efficiency. The fast paced lifestyle and stressful job coupled with
lack of proper exercise and excessive eating habits have made the
executive/administrators alarmingly susceptible to a variety of ailments. All
these health problems will affect the ability and efficiency of the
administrators adversely. Psychological intoxication caused by the stress and
strain of daily life has become a major health problem faced by our
corporate world. Most of the executives have become carriers of stress
induced diseases. The causes of executive stress are not far to seek. It is the
result of wrong life style and defective food habits. Better living in tune with
nature is the way out there is an integrated approach to health and happiness.
According to Gita it is proper food ( yukta ahara), proper lifestyle (yukta
vihara), proper actions ( yukta cheshta), proper emotional and intellectual
activities ( yukta swapna avabodha) which provide health and happiness. In
modern parlance health is available in six letter H-E-A-L-T-H. In this
modern age, executives should use their managerial expertise and skill not
only for running their organization but also for promoting their health. The
nexus between executive health and organizational performance needs no
elaboration. It will take them ultimately in the realm of health and happiness.
The quality of food and life will take the executive to the world of
excellence and competence

Managing the Social Organisations in the Traditional Way

Management is essential in any type of organsiation. what we need today is

a computer aided HRD, a human resource management that suits the modern
requirements of a cyber age. A blend of both traditional and modern
management. Blending the traditional technique with modern management
concept is necessary in this new age. The managerial excellence in social
organizations can be attained only through improving the quality of the
people, products and services. Every management task should be able to
strengthen the basic skill and education of the people. The behavioral
approach adopted in Bahagavad Gita is classical which can be applied
effectively in modern management of both social and business organsiations.
The behaviour studies of Srikrishna and Arjuna reveals how personality
traits and leadership qualities Krishna influenced Arjuna in changing his
negative attitudes towards his duties. Human factor is behind the success or
failure of any organization. Here, motivation as a management function
assumes greater importance. In all social sciences including management the
ultimate aim is to attain the welfare and wellbeing of the society. The
devotion to duty is an internationally accepted concept. The value
orientation becomes a virtue. This topic is usually discussed in modern
management institutions like IIMs and other B-Schools.

An Alternative Initiative for Eco-friendly Existence

Natural living follows the ancient wisdom of Vedas. It makes man always
natural and nature friendly. Cooperation and coexistence are the
characteristics of the nature. Prosperity can be attained through cooperation
and coordination. . This is an eco friendly approach. A universal approach to
human beings and his natural existence. We live together without
endangering each other and without endangering our own existence. This is
the basic philosophy of natural living. Natural living is an eco friendly and
an integrated approach to health and happiness. It provides man with health
and longevity. Natural living provides every human being in modern times
to live longer without the support of a third person. He is completely free
from disease, drugs and doctors. Panchaboohopasana or the worship of five
natural elements is very fundamental to prakruthi jeevanam or natural living.
Modern man’s greed for food has an endangering effect on our ecology and
environment. Modern man’s “eating and meeting; meeting and eating; no
meeting without meeting syndrome” keeps him very vulnerable to modern
diseases – the so called food induced diseases, stress induced diseases and
obesity oriented diseases. Modern life style of man is endangering not only
the health of man but also the very ecology of our earth. Prakruthi jeevanam
or natural living provides a new approach following which we can solve
some of the economic problems faced by our economy. It is a panacea for
controlling the menace of globalisation. Kitchen is the right place to kick
start crusade against globalisation. Natural living believes that kitchen is the
health centre, house wife the doctor, and the kitchen garden is the medical
store and vegetable market. Our food is our medicine. Hence the kitchen
garden will keep the disease and doctors away.

Globalisation – It’s Impact on the Executive Health

Indian concept of health is holistic in nature. It is an integrated system of
medicine. Man worships all five natural elements (Panchabhoothas) with
which it is believed human beings have been created. The worship of these
elements retains the purity and quality of panchaboothas. Prakruthi
jeevananm (Natural Living) or traditional medicare which has been in
existence in India time immemorial is practiced through Panchabothopasana
(worship of five elements). Natural living gives importance to
vegetarianism, moderate eating, occasional fasting, hygienic food (fresh,
wholesome and living), conservative cooking (which preserves the nutrients)
and the use of medicinal plants (as food and medicine). The Globalisation
has affected the economy, ecology and even our existence. It has affected
our life style, our food style and is influencing our medical system. Our
agricultural patterns have changed drastically, polluting the earth and plants
and endangering the life of man. We have to kick start the crusade against
the globalisation from our kitchen which is considered the kinder garten of
environmental studies and a centre of excellence where we get real
education of healthy food styles. Our kitchen gardens are centers of bio
diversity, the arbor of medicinal plants and orchards of fruits and vegetables.
. We have to revive our traditional knowledge We have to conserve this
conventional wisdom and start our fight against the impact of globalisation
in villages. In an era of fast food culture we have to empower and educate
the housewife as to how to change her kitchen into a gastronomers delight
which imparts the balmy aroma of country food and conservative cooking.
The Indian woman’s traditional culinary skill goes to a large extent to ward
off the threat of globalization.