Gita’s Anasakta Yoga and Its Message to Civil Servants

1. Understanding Anasakta Yoga: Anasakta Yoga, or the Yoga of Non-Attachment, is a concept from the Bhagavad Gita, specifically in Chapter 2, Verse 47. It emphasizes performing one’s duty without attachment to the results or outcomes of the actions. The focus is on selfless action and dedicating efforts to the larger good rather than personal gains.

2. Message to Civil Servants:

• Focus on Duty: Anasakta Yoga teaches civil servants to concentrate on performing their duties diligently, irrespective of personal recognition or rewards. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many civil servants worked tirelessly, prioritizing public health and safety over personal comfort, exemplifying non-attachment to the outcomes of their efforts.
• Detachment from Results: The principle encourages detachment from the results of one’s actions, reducing stress and frustration. This is crucial in administrative roles where outcomes can be influenced by various factors beyond one’s control. For instance, the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) involves long-term impacts; thus, officials must focus on effective implementation rather than immediate results.
• Ethical and Selfless Service: It promotes selfless service, guiding civil servants to act with integrity and commitment to public welfare. The recent Clean India Campaign (Swachh Bharat Mission), where officials and citizens worked towards a cleaner India, reflects the values of Anasakta Yoga, focusing on the mission’s purpose rather than personal accolades.

In summary, Anasakta Yoga offers a profound message to civil servants: to perform their duties with dedication and integrity, while remaining detached from the results, thereby ensuring effective and selfless public service.