Inclusive Leadership: Perspectives from Tradition and Modernity

This book reflects on the models of leadership espoused by ancient Indic traditions, in particular the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Focusing primarily on the Rajarshi – ‘the philosopher king’ – the essays in this volume showcase how using these models in contemporary society could lead to the creation of self-aware and empathic leaders and an inclusive society.

The book explores examples of the Brahmarshi, or the wise scholar; Rajarshi, or the wise ruler; and Devarshi, or the visionary, to bring together all the ideal virtues of inclusive leadership in the current cultural and political space. The essays in the volume adopt a critical sociological, philosophical and management lens to analyse Indic traditions and dharmic concepts. The volume uses concepts such as dharma, karma and, yoga along with organisational psychology, technology, and management, to arrive at the concept of transcendental leadership. It theorises new definitions of the Rajarshi ideal, which can be used towards public service, social transformation and self-discovery.

The volume will be useful for scholars and academics interested in Indic philosophies of leadership and governance, sociology, and social and political inclusivity. It will also be useful for readers in public administration, business and management.

Swami Bodhananda is a well-known Management Guru, Chairman of the Sambodh Foundation, India; Bodhananda Research Foundation for Management & Leadership Studies, India; The Sambodh Society, Inc, USA; and The Sambodh Center for Human Excellence, Michigan, USA.

Tilak Agerwala has recently retired as Vice President of Data Centric Systems for IBM Research. He is currently an IBM Emeritus and an Adjunct Professor with the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India.

Sangeetha Menon is Professor and Head of the Consciousness Studies Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore, India.