In an earlier article in this series, we reviewed a few lessons from Rāma Rājya for Good Governance. That refers to value based political and administrative leadership at national, state and local levels. In our democracy, with periodic elections, such good governance is becoming one of the important criteria in the election, re-election or defeat of any political party, or coalition.

There is now rising importance of ethical leadership in business. It is called Corporate Governance. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, the apex professional body of company secretaries has recently issued study material on Corporate Governance and allied matters.

One of these is Ethics. It goes into the roots of corporate governance in Indian ethos. In particular, it refers to Rāma Rājya, and quotes the kacchitsarga, in Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, the advice of Rāma to Bharata, on good governance. This is a most welcome development. Some of you may have seen Tattvāloka’s site https://sites.google.com/view/ramarajya/home. If not, you may catch up, and track it as it develops.

We can broaden the application of Rāma Rājya to not only profit-oriented corporates, but also non-profit organisations, doing valuable work in the social sphere, including health; education; skills; jobs; environment; art; culture etc. So, we need good organisational governance, in all spheres.

Since 1947, after attaining independence from British colonial rule, India has gone through many stages --- an under-developed country; a developing country; a middle-income aspirant; and a high growth emerging economy. This evolution has been facilitated by the formation and growth of both business and social organisations. They have been learning and improving their governance.

Currently, most organisations comply with the ‘letter’ of the law and regulations prescribed, but not with the ‘spirit’ behind such formal provisions. They lag behind global best practices. The gap is mainly in the full understanding of the underlying values; commitment to them; and sustained practice.

What are these relevant values from Rāma Rājya ? The first and foremost is Dharma. It is the core value for all, especially those in leadership positions. It should be holistic leadership. A blend of both ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ values. Mainly, the demonstration of dayā, karuṇā, compassion, and also daṇḍanīti, policy of punishment and correction for offenders. Every leader should earn respect as a Maryādā Puruṣottama, a senior worthy of respect.

The employees, on their part, should perform kushala karma, efficient work. All members of the organization should cultivate sattva guṇa, mature behavior. Pacify their rajas, energy, for constructive work. Minimise tamas, laziness.

The entire organisation should put external stakeholders first --- the customer/beneficiary; the investor/donor; partners; and society. The managers/officers should practice śreṣṭha dharma, the senior’s duty, by their exemplary ācaraṇa, conduct; and setting high pramāṇa, standards.

The employees, on their part, should try to evolve from just a karmacārī, working only for material benefits, to a karmayogī, and find spiritual satisfaction also in their work for a noble Mission. You have a great opportunity to introduce these Rāma Rājya Values and Practices into your organisation. Now, or later, whenever opportune.

(Published in Tattvāloka of May 2020)