Review of my Book "VEDIC MANAGEMENT" by Shri.Ved Prakash Bhatia
Vedas are repository of all true knowledge, and the Management is no exception. It is rarely that we come across an authentic book on Vedic Management.
The above book presents an integrated unified theory of Vedic Management, which is essentially a holistic in nature, with individual, social, cosmic and spiritual dimensions It successfully identifies, focuses, analyses, classifies and consolidates the various management principles enshrined in the Vedas. The learned author establishes that the Vedas are the veritable mines of managerial wisdom of great contemporary relevance and significance for the modern – day managers. It presents a vibrant and versatile model of managerial excellence aimed at achieving individual and organisational excellence.
Starting from Vedic Self- management (Chapter 1), it emphasises that if the individual is transformed then it becomes easier to relate oneself perfectly with the external world. In the Vedic Relationship management (Ch.2), it reinforces that the societal interaction calls for proper understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and inter-relationships among the various segments of the society interacting with the individual and contributing towards the whole. Vedic Cosmic Management (Ch.3) encompasses, at broader level, the environmental aspects , Human Welfare management, and cosmic powers, comprising primordial elements(Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth) for universal peace and well-being , which impel human beings to identify themselves closely with the natural order and work in unison with the cosmic environment. It also reinforces to maintain a pollution free pure environment, protecting the primordial elements, both for the present and future generations. Vedic Spiritual Management(Ch.4) leads us from the macrocosom to the microcosom, as after deep contemplation and reflection from the above study one comes to the realisation that there is nothing beyond the real Self(Atman), as the ultimate object of human endeavour. Thus, such a 4-dimensional Vedic Management model is evolved, which applies across a wide variety of situations and environments, and which knowledge helps one to develop, master and control the art of living for greater fulfilment and contended meaningful life, and beyond.
Vedas and Modern Business Management Principles (Ch, 7) delves deep into the various Management Functions (Planning, Organising, Controlling, Directing( Leadership, Motivation and Communication) including Financial and Budgetary control, Feedback and Rectification Processes, and how they have been extensively dealt with in the Vedas, concluding: “ A clear-cut examination of the Vedas reveals that the modern business management principles are of Vedic origin.’ It is followed by Vedas and Modern Business Management Practices (Ch.7) and encompasses the practices in Financial Management, Knowledge Management, HRM, Relationship Marketing, Trade and Commerce, Time Management and Social Responsibilities, TQM(Total Quality Management(including Kaizen), Culture management, Value System and Ethical Practices, Corporate Governance, Globalisation, and Productivity/Competition/Change Management, and last, but not the least, Managing One self. ”For example, under Financial Management, it has been averred that: “the Vedas repeatedly call upon everyone to earn and maximise wealth. The primary function objective of Financial Management is maximisation of the shareholders’ wealth. The Vedas inspire all to be associated with increase of wealth. They advise one not to reject or condemn wealth. They urge upon one to be prosperous.” In support of these contentions the learned author has cited as many as fourteen citations from the Vedas,, with proper references in the Annexure ‘End Notes’ (2206 references). The learned author’s has, therefore, concluded: “An in-depth analysis of the Vedas proves that the wide spectrum of modern business management practices are convincingly of Vedic origin.”
Then, Vedic Model of Excellence (Chap. 8) that follows highlights that (Vedic) excellence when pursued in a holistic manner, leads in the ultimate reckoning to the three-fold dimensions of Universal well-being encompassing: Visva Vikasah(Universal Development), Visva santih(Universal Peace) and Visva kausalam( Universal Welfare). This model aims at maximising the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness at all levels, both horizontally and vertically. With the individual as the key foundation, this model projects a comprehensive picture at the universal level. With Vedic Structure built on 4-M edifice (Samhita, Brahamana, Arayyaka and Upanisad), and 3-fold excellence (Karma Yoga. Jnana yoga and Bhakti yoga ), one is inspired (under ‘excellence in Action’) with Vedic quotes like Utttiishata jagrata prapya varannibhodhata (Arise, Awake and learn by approaching the excellent Teachers), Ya esa suptesu jagarti(one who is awake while others are asleep, etc.). For Universal Excellence Rig Veda has been aptly quoted: “Common be your prayers. Common be your goal. Common be your purpose. Common be your deliberations. United be your mind. United be your resolve. United be your hearts. Perfect be the union among you.” (RV Sam .X-191-2 to4. Chapter 9(Summary and Conclusions) nicely summarises the learned author’s conclusions on his intensive research-based endeavour on the topic of Vedic Management.
The book with about 270 pages, with exhaustive Index, 56 Tables, 21 graphics, and with Appendix 1 (An Overview of Vedas under 17 sub heads ), Appendix 2 (Index of Selected Vedic Terms, Appendix 3 (Abbreviations to End Notes and Exhaustive End Notes ( with as many 2206 citations from Vedas and Vedic literature) is worth reading by all Vedic enthusiasts , Vedic research scholars and management students , who aspire to delve into the Vedas to find their relevance for the Modern management. It will be found as a glittering gem for all Vedic Institutions and Management CollegesLibraries. Its Price and Publishers’ details are:
Book Title: Vedic Management: The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence : by Dr.S.Kannan. ISBN: 81-7496-900-4, Price: Rs. 675; Publisher: Taxmann Allied Services (Pvt.) Ltd.,59/32, New Rohtak Road, New Delhi-110 005(India); Email:
sales@taxmann.com
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