Published Online:June 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Soft Skills
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJSS010625
DOI:10.71329/IUPJSS/2025.19.2.5-23
Author Name:Anisha
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:5-23
This paper explores the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) by contrasting Western psychological models with the rich emotional frameworks embedded in Indian philosophical, spiritual, and cultural traditions. The study uses indigenous methodology to analyze Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Rasa Theory Bhagavad Gita, and traditional folklores such as the Panchatantra to elaborate on culturalspecific emotional intelligence understanding. Within Indian texts, key constructs such as Nishkama Karma (detached action), Sthithapragnya (emotional steadiness), Samatva (equanimity), Dharma, Viveka (discernment), Vairâgya (detachment), and others are analyzed in relation to emotional intelligence. The paper argues for a culturally inclusive and ethically grounded understanding of EI. While identifying the essential skills necessary from an Indian perspective, such as self-awareness, detachment, witnessed consciousness, and true living—each rooted in ethical, spiritual, and introspective traditions.
Emotional intelligence (EI) has been touted as one of the most critical competencies for career success. There has been ample evidence in the literature that emotional quotients have turned out to be a better predictor of workplace effectiveness and career progression, much more than the intelligence quotients (Côté & Miners, 2006; Joseph et al., 2015; Mayer et al., 2008; Miao et al., 2017; Sánchez-Álvarez et al., 2020). Emotional intelligence is one’s ability to manage emotions through social skills to function effectively. This skill set requires an individual to develop certain socio-psychological abilities, such as emotional self-awareness, regulation, and management. To measure such abilities, different tools and scales have been developed. Researchers predominantly use these standardized scales for conducting their investigations (Bar- On, 2006; Boyatzis et al., 2000).