Ancient wisdom fuels economic odyssey

Imagine a government report that reads like a philosophical epic, where ancient sages rub shoulders with fiscal forecasts. The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled just before the Union Budget, does precisely that. Amid charts on GDP growth and inflation trends, it sprinkles pearls of wisdom from India’s rich heritage, reminding us that the quest for prosperity isn’t new — it’s as old as the Vedas themselves.

This is not merely Hindutva of the Sangh Parivar; it’s a clever nudge to apply age-old principles to today’s turbulent world, where geopolitical storms and tech disruptions threaten to upend economies. By drawing on these sources, the survey crafts a narrative that’s as inspiring as it is pragmatic, urging India to build a future rooted in unity, strategy, duty, and patience.

Unity’s call from RgVeda

At the heart of the survey’s vision for collaborative progress lies a stirring verse from the RgVeda, Mandala 10, Sukta 191, Verse 2:

“Move together, speak together, and let your minds be aligned. Just as those before acted in shared understanding to pursue a common purpose.”

This ancient hymn is a blueprint for economic harmony, the government seems to suggest. In a nation as diverse as India, the survey uses it to underscore the need for aligned efforts between government, businesses, and citizens. Think of it as a call to arms — or rather, a call to synergy — in boosting manufacturing and infrastructure.

With global trade fragmenting, this Vedic mantra encourages forging domestic alliances that propel growth without fractious divides. It’s a refreshing reminder that in economics, as in life, we’re stronger together, echoing through policy recommendations for inclusive development.

Strategic lessons from Ramayana’s battlefield

Venturing into epic territory, the survey turns to the Ramayana’s Yuddha Kanda for a lesson in cunning adaptability. Here, Rama reflects on the value of learning even from a defeated enemy, a metaphor that resonates deeply in today’s competitive global arena.

The document invokes this to advocate “strategic learning in complex and contested environments,” subtly nodding to rivals like China.Without naming names, it suggests India should glean technological and trade insights from adversaries while safeguarding sovereignty — much like Rama absorbing wisdom without compromise.

It’s about selective absorption to fortify supply chains and innovation. In an era of “managed disorder” in world affairs, as the survey dubs it, this insight from India’s most popular epic adds a dash of adventure to otherwise dry discussions on export strategies and resilience.

BhagavadGita’s imperative of action

No discourse on Indian wisdom would be complete without SrimadBhagavadGita, and the survey obliges with a profound quote:

“You have a right to action alone, not to its fruits.”

Spoken by Bhagawan to Arjuna on the battlefield, this verse captures the essence of detached duty — focusing on effort rather than immediate rewards. Applied to economics, it champions resilience amid uncertainties, urging policymakers and entrepreneurs to persist through volatility without fixating on short-term gains.

The survey weaves this into calls for sustainable reforms, like enhancing state capacity and deregulation, where outcomes may take time but yield lasting benefits. It’s a philosophical balm for a nation eyeing 7%+ growth, reminding us that true progress, like Arjuna’s victory, stems from steadfast action, not fleeting triumphs.

Delayed gratification echoed in Katha Upanishad

Perhaps the survey’s most poignant inspiration comes from the Katha Upanishad (Kathopanishad), where Yama imparts:

“Every moment asks us to choose between Śreya, the enduring good, and Preya, the fleeting comfort. The mature mind chooses Śreya; the immature mind settles for Preya.”

This dialogue between the young Nachiketa and the god of death frames the survey’s emphasis on “delayed gratification” — prioritising long-term buffers over quick fixes. In a world prone to shocks, it advocates building macroeconomic safeguards, like fiscal prudence and diversified trade, even if it means forgoing instant stimulus. This Upanishadic wisdom infuses the document with a sense of maturity, positioning India as a steady player in a chaotic global game.

From religious wisdom to documented history: Kautilya’s Arthashastra

The nation’s traditional wisdom isn’t all about Hindu scriptures. It is as much about the glorious empires of the Mauryas and the Guptas. While historians may debate the historicity of Vishnugupta, aka Chanakya, alias Kautilya, and the dates of his birth and death, no scholar doubts that the Arthashastra — compiled probably by various authors between the 2ndcentury BCE and the 1stcentury CE — isan ancient Sanskrit treatise that addresses statecraft, politics, economic policy and military strategy.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 references Kautilya’s work but doesnot include a direct verbatim quote from the text.Itcites the ancient treatise as a foundational example of economic statecraft. This appears in Box I.1 on page 6 of Chapter 1 (“State of the Economy: Pushing the Growth Frontier”), within a discussion on the historical resurgence of economic statecraft and the need for strategic resilience.

But then, not staying in the confines of narrow nationalism, the survey appreciates Greek and Roman heritages as well.

The exact text reads:

“Economic statecraft is not new. Historical examples include the Megarian Decree imposed by Athens in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire’s grain provisioning system (Cura Annonae). Kautilya’s Arthashastra is recognised as a systematic treatise on statecraft that integrates economic governance with political and strategic imperatives.”

The section aboveis a masterclass in treating economics as a weapon in the arsenal of national power. The text blends shrewd fiscal policies with diplomatic cunning, much like today’s push for supply chain fortitude amid global rivalries. While positioned alongside ancient Greek and Roman strategies, the survey puts it with a distinctly Indian flair—emphasising how wealth generation fuels sovereignty.

In essence, it’s a timeless nudge: view economics not as mere number-crunching, but as the sinews of strength, helping India navigate modern minefields with the craftiness of a Chanakya.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 transforms a routine fiscal review into a tapestry of inspiration, proving that ancient voices still whisper solutions to modern woes. By quoting these scriptures, it not only honours India’s cultural legacy but also charts a course that’s wise, resilient, and oddly exhilarating. As the Budget unfolds, one can’t help but feel optimistic — after all, with such timeless guides, India’s economic saga is bound to have a heroic ending.