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In recent years, numerous researches have been conducted on CSR from various perspectives. From a survey of CSR literatures from spiritual and religious perspectives, there are some studies based on the Quran (Islam) and the Bible (Christianity) made by scholars. However, the Bhagavad-Gita (Hinduism) is yet to be explored in the context of CSR. This article is therefore timely and fills the gap in the CSR literature. In this article, the authors employs hermeneutics, a qualitative research methodology which involves the study, understanding and interpretation of the BG particularly the concept of ‘dharma’ (duty) and ‘karma’ (action) in the context of CSR. In a nutshell, the BG provides an inside-out approach to CSR, which is the development of individual leader’s self-conscience of his1 dharma (duty) and karma (action). Based on the BG’s insights, CSR should ideally begin with ISR (Individual Social Responsibility includes Personal Social Responsibility) and to go beyond CSR with GSR (Global Social Responsibility). These three social responsibilities are the essential dharma and karma of corporate leaders. The leaders and the role they play in corporations are crucial in ensuring transparency, good conduct and governance towards the ultimate aim of achieving CSR. This article is expected to provide a framework to the study of BG philosophy from other aspects of corporate management; such as corporate governance, corporate ethics and human resource management in the near future.

This paper explores the perspective of self knowledge from the Bhagavad-Gita and its significance to human capital development. A review of literature in this field shows that several studies have been done in the area of human capital development from various perspectives; however very few have been done to integrate the Bhagavad-Gita and self knowledge. As a result, this paper not only fills the gap in the literature of human capital development, but also provides some significance and insights on human capital development from the ancient Indian philosophical perspective. Chinmayananda asserted that from time to time an ancient philosophy like the Bhagavad-Gita needs intelligent re-interpretation to apply effectively in the context of modern times. This paper is based on literature review and hermeneutics, a qualitative research methodology which involves study, understanding and interpretation of ancient or classical text. The Bhagavad-Gita is more than 5,000 years old and is written in Sanskrit language. In a nutshell, the Bhagavad-Gita provides an inside-out approach to human capital development unlike the outside-in western perspective.

Valmiki Ramayana is considered as a marvellous epic and the first written literature in the Indian context. Over the centuries, several authors have explored various dimensions of Ramayana ranging from philosophy, spirituality, politics, economics, sociology, culture, literature, language, poetry, technology and others. However, management does not seem to be a popular subject of analysis from the Ramayana, although Valmiki Ramayana is pregnant with several lessons for managers. Therefore, this paper aims to fill the gap in the literature by exploring the relevance of Valmiki Ramayana for development of contemporary managers. By employing hermeneutics, a qualitative methodology, the authors have explored work motivation, dharmic management, principles of control and vigilance, decision making, humanism and equanimity from Valmiki Ramayana which provide lessons for enhancing managerial effectiveness. The prospect of exploring Valmiki Ramayana in other areas of management such as strategic management, people management, and others can be considered in the near future.