Decent Work Through Divine Wisdom: Unveiling the Indian Knowledge System and the Bhagavad Gita’s Impact – A Review

Abstract

Alternative management paradigms are becoming more and more popular in an era characterized by workplace discontent and a desire for work that has a purpose. The Bhagavad Gita is a foundational work on the concept of action and obligation, and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) provides a wealth of knowledge for today’s problems. The goal of this review research is to reconcile old customs with contemporary issues by methodically examining how the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita shaped the ideas of “decent work.” This paper synthesizes important ideas from the Gita and maps them onto the fundamental tenets of decent work, such as equitable pay, workplace security, personal growth, and ethical governance, through a thorough analysis of traditional scriptural interpretations, current management literature, and academic articles. The research shows that the principles of decent labor and the philosophy of the Gita are profoundly aligned. While the idea of Dharma (righteous duty) offers a strong ethical foundation for business responsibility and fair labor standards, principles like Nishkama Karma (selfless, detached action) have been demonstrated to promote intrinsic motivation and lessen performance anxiety. Additionally, the focus on Samatvam (equanimity) provides a paradigm for resilience and psychological health in contemporary corporate settings. The study comes to the conclusion that the Bhagavad Gita, a fundamental component of IKS, offers a comprehensive, human-centered framework that goes beyond just economic perspectives of labor and encourages work that is not only fruitful but also morally and spiritually satisfying. This study adds a culturally grounded viewpoint to management theory and HR policy, urging the incorporation of age-old knowledge to establish more compassionate and sustainable workplaces and urging further scientific support for these ideas.