Published Paper Details:

The ancient Indian texts Thirukkural, Vidura Niti, and Arthashastra provide timeless wisdom on leadership, governance, and ethics, shaping principles that remain relevant in modern society. These texts offer diverse yet complementary perspectives on ethical leadership, political strategy, and economic governance, making them invaluable for understanding both historical and contemporary governance models. Thirukkural, authored by Thiruvalluvar, places a strong emphasis on morality, justice, and righteousness in governance. It highlights the importance of a leader's integrity, fairness, and commitment to the well-being of the people. The text argues that a just ruler fosters societal harmony and economic prosperity by upholding ethical principles and making decisions based on dharma (righteousness). Vidura Niti, extracted from the Mahabharata, serves as a guide for ethical rulership, decision-making, and statecraft. Vidura, the wise counselor, advises rulers on the importance of wisdom, humility, and self-discipline in governance. His teachings stress fairness, accountability, and the dangers of greed and arrogance, warning that unethical leadership leads to instability and downfall. Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), provides a pragmatic approach to administration, diplomacy, military strategy, and economic policies. Unlike Thirukkural and Vidura Niti, which focus on moral virtues, Arthashastra emphasizes realpolitik--strategic governance that balances ethics with practical necessity. It offers detailed insights into law enforcement, taxation, wealth management, and national security, making it a comprehensive guide for statecraft. This article explores the relevance of these ancient texts in modern governance and leadership, comparing their principles with contemporary ethical frameworks such as transformational leadership, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable governance. By evaluating their contributions, this study highlights the enduring impact of Indian knowledge systems on ethical statecraft and policymaking in the 21st century.