Corporate Ethics in relation to Gandhian Values

I desire to end capitalism almost, if not quite, as much as the most advanced socialist. But our methods differ. My theory of trusteeship is no make-shift, certainly no camouflage. I am confident that it will survive all other theories. Gandhi (1939), cited in Bose (1947)

Gandhi’s influence prompted various Indian companies to play active roles in nation building and promoting socio-economic development during the 20th century. Business ethics is a more personally oriented ethics rather than a public policy or a legal contract. “Much more”. It encompasses honesty, forthrightness, reciprocity, fair play, keeping commitments, and kindness -- virtues that may be too much to ask for in today's world.

Gandhi Ashram Reconstruction Trust invites you for a deep dialogue on ethical values in our daily lives and business lives. After more than 50 years of independence, only a handful of people under a handful of organizations are practicing ethical values in the midst of total corruption. It remains a mystery and a challenge as to how we can scale ethics based business. How can we multiply the number of organizations who believe deeply in values and want to lead their entire lives with these values? The focus of the dialogue would be on Corporate Ethics in relation to Gandhian Values, especially in focus to ethical business practices in India. We need to interpret the values set forth by Gandhiji in the modern context and revitalise the ethical values he stood for. We invite you on Sunday, November 27th 2005, for an evening with Dr. Nirmala Deshpande (MP Rajya Sabha), President of Gandhi Ashram Reconstruction Trust, who is a humble Gandhian leading this trust to revive Gandhi ji’s legacy of nonviolence, ethics and peace, AND Dinesh Chandra, also an advisor to the Trust, who has lived his life bringing the values of quality, productivity and transformational leadership in more than 15 countries and is presently working with Indian Companies to scale ethics based businesses. The discussion will be followed by high tea.

 

On our distinguished panel will be Mr. Subodh Bhargava, Chairman of VSNL, and Mr. Satish Kaura of Samtel, who are well known for their ethical values. We look forward to sharing their experiences.