Ancient Wisdom, Modern Dilemmas: Reframing Decision-Making through the lens of Indian Epics
Abstract
This paper explores the enduring relevance of ancient Indian philosophical traditions in enriching modern decision-making frameworks. Despite rapid advancements in technology and increased competitive pressures in contemporary organizations, persistent challenges related to ethics, sustainability, and leadership call for a more holistic, value-centered paradigm. Drawing on primary texts—including the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Arthashastra—and supported by rigorous analysis of interdisciplinary literature, this study systematically evaluates key principles of Indian thought such as Dharma (righteous conduct), Karma (action and consequence), and Viveka (discriminative wisdom).
Findings reveal that these traditions advocate a deeply integrated view of decision-making that emphasizes ethical responsibility, long term stewardship, intuitive discernment, and community-centric leadership. Analysis also identifies substantial contrasts with Western centric utility-based models that often privilege short-term goals and empirical data, suggesting the need for leadership practices that balance material outcomes with moral and spiritual well-being. Moreover, the research underscores the practical application of Indian philosophies in contemporary leadership development, ethical decision tools, sustainability practices, and cross-cultural management frameworks, positioning these teachings as a robust foundation for leaders operating in volatile, diverse, and uncertain environments.
By bridging ancient Indian insights with modern theory and practice, this study advances a transcendent, ethically grounded model of decision-making that responds to global imperatives for sustainability, inclusion, and moral integrity. Furthermore, the findings highlight future avenues for interdisciplinary research and underscore the capacity of these philosophies to inspire enduring, ethically resilient leadership across cultural and organizational contexts. Ultimately, this work asserts that time-honored Indian thought can serve as a vital resource for cultivating responsible decision-making and fostering holistic leadership that harmonizes individual ambitions with collective flourishing and planetary well-being.
