2. What Constitutes Indian Ethos?
Cambridge Dictionary defines Ethos as, “ the set of beliefs, ideas about
social behaviour and relationship of a person or group
Indian Ethos is all about what can be termed as “National Ethos”
Formally the body of knowledge which derives its knowledge from rich
and huge Indian system of Ethics
It has its basis from the culture base of India
3. All work is an opportunity for doing good to the world
Worship people not only with material things but also by showing
respect to their enterprising divinity within
Strength and inspiration for excelling in work comes from unselfish
work
Mutual Cooperation and respect for fellow beings
Salient Ideas from Indian Ethos
4. The ancient texts have emphasized the importance of ethics and moral
values in Indian Governance
Ministers ought to be honest, faithful, intelligent and well versed in
secular and sacred law
The basic principle of governance in simple words “ Yatha Raja, tatha
praja”
Kautilya’s Arthashastra emphasizes the ideal policies and practices for
governing the market place, economic and political development
We also find a description of administrative as well as administrative
complexity as well as ethics
Ethics and Values from Indian Context
5. Kautilya believed that “men are fickle minded” and honesty is not a virtue
that is maintained consistently for a long time
It is easy to go for easy gains through corrupt means and override honesty.
Kautilya prescribed a serous vigil over superintendents of Government
Departments in relation to the place, time, nature and modus operandi.
Illegal transactions were so shrouded in mist that he compared embezzlers
to fish moving under water and the virtual impossibility of detecting when
exactly the fish is drinking water.
It is possible to ascertain the movements of bird flying in the sky, it is
difficult to gauge the corrupt activities of government officials.
Kautilya also dealt with the concept of whistleblowers
Salient Features
6. YAMA AND NIYAMAS
• In Yoga Granthas, we find a reference of 10 Yamas and Niyamas. However, they
are followed a s five yama and five niyamas
Yama Niyamas
Ahimsa Purity
Satya Contentment
Asteya (Non-theft) Abstinence
Pure consciousness Self-study
Aparigraha (Non-hoarding) Surrender to the higher self
8. Islam
Ethical values laid down by the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad is
aimed at training the inner self of man, so as to motivate him to
abandon selfishness in favour of social interests
Christianity
businesses in accordance and consideration with God and His Word
(references to Bible, which recommends good values at personal level
as well as while dealing with society)
Influence of Spirituality in Governance :
India
9. Salient Feature of Gandhian ethics are Truth, Ahimsa, non-stealing
Maintaining Ahimsa requires constant supervision of one’s thoughts and
actions
The Seven Social Sins as created
Politics without principles
Wealth without work
Leisure without conscience
Knowledge without character
Commerce without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
Gandhian View
