Chapter 3: Unveiling the Roots: Ancient Indian Scripts and Culture as Pillars for Contemporary Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) Practices in Corporate Sustainability

The landscape of business has seen a paradigm change in favor of sustainability in recent years, with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework gaining significant importance. The sustainability practices of companies and their disclosure are demanded by key stakeholders like consumers, employees, investors, society, etc., for their strategic decisions. India, often described as a subcontinent, is not merely a landmass but a living demonstration of the diversity and richness of human culture. The culture and value system practiced in India has become an integral part of the day-to-day operations of business both at the domestic and international levels. This research article aims to explore the profound connections between ESG principles and the foundational aspects of Indian culture, drawing inspiration from ancient scripts and cultural values. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving historical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and contemporary business perspectives, this study throws light on the fundamental connection that exists between the ideals of Indian culture and the concepts that support ethical and sustainable business operations. This study covers philosophies and principles depicted in ancient scripts like Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, etc., which are aligned with ESG principles, additionally, Indian culture practiced over centuries is also discussed. This research outcome aims to design a conceptual framework, where lessons from Indian scripts and culture can broaden the base of ESG principles which can be an actionable insight that businesses and policymakers can adopt to achieve sustainability.