Bhagavad Gita as an Ethical Guide for Civil Servants

1. Principles of Duty and Righteousness

• Duty (Dharma): The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. This principle, known as Karma Yoga, can guide civil servants in focusing on their responsibilities with dedication and impartiality. For instance, S. R. Sankaran, a former IAS officer, was known for his dedication to duty and welfare-oriented policies, reflecting this principle.
• Righteousness: The Gita advocates adherence to righteousness and moral values in decision-making. Civil servants can draw on these teachings to uphold ethical standards and make decisions that align with the public good, as seen in the ethical stance of IAS officer Ashok Khemka, who fought against corruption despite facing significant challenges.

2. Managing Conflict and Stress

• Equanimity: The Bhagavad Gita teaches maintaining equanimity in the face of success and failure. This is crucial for civil servants who often face stressful and conflicting situations. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, administrators had to manage intense pressure while making critical decisions. The Gita’s teachings on inner peace and resilience can help them handle such stress effectively.
• Detachment: The concept of detachment from personal biases and ego, as taught in the Gita, helps civil servants maintain objectivity. This is important for ensuring fairness and integrity in public service, as demonstrated by the transparent processes in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aimed to provide housing for the poor with minimal bureaucratic interference.

In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita offers valuable ethical guidance for civil servants by emphasizing duty, righteousness, equanimity, and detachment, aiding them in maintaining integrity and managing the complexities of public administration.