D Murali

From Taxmann (www.taxmann.com), a publisher generally known for books on tax and law that fill the shelves of accountants and lawyers, here is something different: ‘Vedic Management’ by S. Kannan, a consultant with TCS.

The book, based on the author’s PhD inter-disciplinary thesis spanning management and Sanskrit, has about 2,000 references drawn from ‘the Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads’ of the four Vedas, viz. Rg, Yajur, Sama and Atharva, which constitute the ancient wisdom of India. “Vedic management principles and concepts have a holistic approach with a strong social orientation and human touch,” writes Kannan. “Much emphasis is laid on harmony, collaboration and cooperation.”

For instance, the ‘saha naavavatu’ chant calls for togetherness in study and success, protection and peace. “One shall unite, be harmonious and affectionate,” reads a line translated from Taittriya Samhita (vi-i-4). That “everyone should help and extend assistance to others” is from Rg (x-97-14). Vedas lay stress on ‘cooperation, unity and coordination… like-heartedness, like-mindedness, non-hostility, mutual affection, honeyed words, concordance, unity, joint labour… and conciliation’ (Atharva, iii-30-1 to iii-30-7).

Kannan identifies four dimensions in Vedic management: self (individual strengths), relationship (general management), cosmic (environmental concerns), and spiritual (self-realisation). Good individuals make great organisations. Therefore, “Live long brilliantly,” as blesses Mahanarayana Upanishad (xlvii-1). “See, live, wake, ascend, prosper, exist, adorn a hundred autumns and more,” urge Atharva and Vajasaney Madhyamdina Samhitas. And, “Live fully and find delight in old age” (Rg x-18-6).

In ‘relationship management’ the author classifies leadership traits into three Es, viz. efficiency, emotional and ethical. Efficiency traits include courage, listening, motivation, lawfulness, excellence, responsiveness, and communication. Among the emotional traits are compassion (be ‘easy to approach’), cheer (‘ever young’), and friendliness (‘take delight in being liberal’). Ethical traits are about guardianship (‘he steers men safely over troubles, drives away ill-feeling, and provides peace and comfort’, Rg x-182-1), and commitment, nobility, righteousness, humility, and fairness.

Insights on cosmic management may be the most urgently needed, in view of the currently heightened awareness of dangers to environment. Sample these: ‘Let plant and creepers grow upwards’ (urdhvam jigatu bhesajam), ‘wind is the healing balm that drives away all diseases’ (Rg x-137-3), ‘water is the essence of food’ (Chandogya i-8-4), and ‘the earth is the bestower of happiness, the supporter of life and the provider of prosperity’…

Essential read

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