Author: Smriti Kak Ramachandran
Publication: The Hindu
Date: February 20, 2008
URL: http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/20/stories/2008022056430800.htm
Introduction: DMRC focuses on "sticking
to ethics in the workplace"
Yoga lessons are organised for the staff to
help them deal with stress and its after-effects
Exercise in spirituality has produced positive
energy, team spirit among employees: official
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation does not
believe in intense vigilance nor does it rely on hidden cameras to plug leaks
and nab wrongdoers. Instead the organisation has turned to Bhagavad Gita to
stem corruption, lethargy and negligence.
Putting the accent on "sticking to ethics
in the workplace", the organisation is attempting to instil the values
of honesty, moral virtues of hard work and diligence as preached in the Bhagavad
Gita, which has now emerged as a guidebook for motivating numbers-driven managers.
Lectures by gurus
So to help enhance the spiritual quotient
of the employees and to ensure that they steer clear of dishonesty and vice,
there are frequent yoga lessons, talks and lectures by motivational gurus
and a handbook with relevant messages.
"We do organise yoga lessons for the
employees in the organisation to help them deal with stress and its after-effects.
To motivate employees and to encourage a positive outlook we take quotes from
the 'Gita Makaranda' and publish them in the monthly newsletter and safety
bulletins of DMRC so that the messages reach everyone from the senior management
to the workers and the contractors," says Anuj Dayal, Chief Public Relations
Officer of DMRC.
Mr. Dayal concedes that "spirituality
is accorded pride of place in the management ethos of DMRC and is inherent
in the working of the organisation.
The Managing Director, E. Sreedharan, is a
fervent believer of the values that the Bhagavad Gita preaches." DMRC
officials say Mr. Sreedharan's messages to his employees are peppered with
references from the holy book.
"He often talks about the importance
of taking pride in their profession and organisation, detachment from the
fruits of action and the need to perform their duties diligently and with
perfection," says Mr. Dayal.
To drive home the relevance and advantages
of practising yoga, the organisation recently distributed a book titled "Yoga
- A Way of Life" by Acharya Kaushal Kumar.
Gita Makaranda given
Intent on putting the employees on a diet
of morality and ethics, DMRC is one of the few organisations where all executives
on joining work are given their own copy of Swami Vidyaprakashananda's 'Gita
Makaranda'.
Since the book containing all the "shlokas"
of the Bhagavad Gita, their meaning and commentary is not easily available,
DMRC ensures that copies are procured in advance from the printer in Chittoor
district of Andhra Pradesh.
Asked if the exercise in spirituality has
produced tangible results, a senior official says: "The feedback so far
has been positive. The workforce has benefited from the yoga sessions and
lectures. There is positive energy, team spirit and no instances of financial
bungling, missed deadlines, and de-motivated workers," adds a senior
official.
"And in the board room where hangs a
plaque with the words 'Let Noble Thoughts Come to Us From Every Side', as
heads of departments gather each week, they are inspired to follow Yoga Vashistha's
maxim, 'Work I do; Not that "I" do it'," he says.
