Title: Indian literature: a gateway to modern management principles and practices

Authors: Mehak Nain

Addresses: c/o Randhir Boora, Central Bank of India, VPO Otalon, Teh Samrala, Distt Khanna, Punjab, PIN-141115, India

Abstract: Indian literature, believed to be the oldest in the world, is undoubtedly the crowning glory of the Indian civilisation. It is very difficult to find such a vast reservoir of literary and spiritual knowledge that throws light on past, present and future. Its importance can be understood from the fact that the name of our country BHARAT has been supposedly derived from King Bharat who finds reference in the epic Mahabharata and then in 'Abhigyanshakuntlam' by Kalidasa. Our attachment and reverence towards our sacred texts has made us imbibe their values and lessons in our lives. Bhagwat Gita, Vedas, epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, treatises like Vaastu Shastra (architecture), Arthashastra (political science), Charaka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Kamsutra are true reflection of the Indian literary excellence and a glorious gift to the world. Our Indian literary texts are treasure troves. The amount of knowledge that the texts possess is unlimited. The challenge lies in extracting that wisdom and implementing it in our daily lives which is intended by this paper.

Keywords: modern management; Indian literature; emerging markets; ancient texts; Mahabharata; Ramayana; management principles; management practices; Arthashastra; women empowerment; female empowerment; corporate governance; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEM.2014.058250

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2014 Vol.6 No.1, pp.83 - 96

Received: 27 Nov 2012
Accepted: 22 Jun 2013

Published online: 16 Jun 2014 *

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