Reimagining Sustainable Development Goals And IT Industry Governance Through Ancient Indian Concepts Of "Dharma And Yogakshema"

Abstract

This paper explores the pertinence of Ancient Indian principles of Dharma and Yogakshema in the context of contemporary Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for leaders in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Dharma, representing reality's eternal and intrinsic nature, is considered a cosmic law underpinning ethical conduct and societal harmony, while Yogakshema embodies the well-being of all.

India has been an early advocate for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility. The present-day corporate endeavors towards ESG and SDG, prioritizing the welfare of diverse stakeholders including employees, customers, and society at large, find a profound resonance with the age-old tenets of Ancient Indian Wisdom like Dharma and Yogakshema.

The study examines the ESG/SDG practices within the IT industry, using Wipro Limited as a case in discussion. Wipro, a global leader in the Information Technology sector, is renowned for its founders' philanthropic and sustainable initiatives. While the IT industry is an illustrative example based on the author's extensive firsthand experience, the insights provided are equally applicable to leaders in other business and education sectors.