Altruism seems to be perceived in its various hues. In several cases it is mistaken for “pseudo-altruism.” Considering altruism as an expression of self helps clarify this perspective of altruism and probably adds a spiritual connotation to it. This article looks at altruism from the self point of view and tries to expound the variations in expression of altruism with respect to variations in self-space. On the basis of self-space, three variations of self in progression toward altruism have been proposed. The journey of an egoistic self to a transcended self expresses the transition from pseudo-altruism to purest form of altruism, the state of self-transcendence. This calls for incorporation of strategies of self-progression for development of altruism. An attempt was made to adopt self-transcendence and its features mentioned in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as an independent objective for the present study.

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The United Nations (UN) has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed to end poverty, hunger and inequality, act on climate change and the environment, improve access to health and education, and build strong institutions and partnerships. A style of leadership, ingrained in an altruistic and holistic approach that acknowledges the interrelationships of all beings, is a pre-requisite to achieve sustainable development. The projects undertaken by Amrita Institutions, under the guidance and leadership of its founder, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, are in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the UN. Results of a survey conducted to unravel the observable components of Spiritual Intelligence (SI) and Transformational Leadership (TL) of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, suggest a classic blend of SI and TL. Emulation of the convergence of SI and TL is projected to be an approach for mankind to transcend the differences of race, culture, and ideology, and regard one another as entities of a single all-encompassing consciousness. This prospective is predicted to promote fulfilment, purpose and meaning to life of individuals, communities, nations, and the world at large. The preliminary study illustrating this concept needs to be explored as recommendation for a future research, encompassing qualitative and quantitative analysis, to yield a holistic view of leadership characteristics. Longitudinal studies could also be pursued to deduce their trajectories over longer periods in time.