Bhagavad Gita is the Supreme Management Scripture for Governance: Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj

New Delhi: Describing the Bhagavad Gita as not merely a spiritual scripture but a practical guide to life and governance, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that adopting the principle of Karmayoga enhances efficiency and clarity in administration. He was addressing a special lecture on “Role of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in Administration” at Maharashtra Sadan on Copernicus Marg. The programme was organised on the initiative of Resident Commissioner and Secretary R. Vimala.

In his address, Swami Ji said that life’s real challenges stem from human thought, not circumstances. Just as a vehicle’s direction changes by turning the steering wheel, life changes by steering the mind. The Gita, he noted, transforms thinking into a positive and creative force, helping individuals realise their full potential. Expressing concern over academic pressure on children, he cited the Gita’s message of “Karmanye Vadhikaraste” — focus on duty without attachment to results.

He added that the Gita serves as a guiding light for administrators facing stress and ethical dilemmas, promoting a culture of impartial service and democratic values. He described the Gita as an excellent “management science” for modern governance. Former Vice-Chancellor of Gurugram University, Dr. Markandeya Ahuja, highlighted Maharashtra’s saint tradition, referring to Sant Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Namdev and Samarth Ramdas as exemplars who carried the teachings of the Gita to the masses.

He also mentioned Lokmanya Tilak’s “Gita Rahasya” and Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan movement as practical demonstrations of Karmayoga in action. Senior IAS officers Sumedha Kataria and R. Rajan also shared their views, noting that the Gita provides moral clarity during administrative decision-making and mental conflict.

In her introductory remarks, Resident Commissioner R. Vimala said that spiritual wisdom helps build mental balance and dedication in the demanding life of administrators. The programme concluded with distribution of Gita copies and the recitation of the Shanti Mantra.