Published Online:June 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Soft Skills
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJSS020626
DOI:10.71329/IUPJSS/2026.20.2.34-40
Author Name:Hetal Doshi
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:34-40
Academic discourse on women’s empowerment has expanded considerably over the past three decades, encompassing social, economic, political, and psychological dimensions. Formerly, it was believed that the role of women was restricted to being homemakers and that of men was to be breadwinners. However, a close study of the Indian epics throws light on the role of women as decision makers, conflict mediators and peace ambassadors. Out of the many soft skills displayed by various female Indian mythological characters, this paper examines the conflict resolution skills displayed by Kunti, Mandodari, Draupadi, Sita, Tara, Gandhari and Savitri. The key soft skills demonstrated by these women characters like emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and ethical reasoning, while attempting conflict resolution, are critically analyzed in this paper. The paper highlights the relevance of epic literature to contemporary education and leadership training as encouraged by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Traditionally, the role of a mediator in history and mythology has been assigned to male characters. They have been portrayed as the perfect decision makers, authoritative leaders and diplomats who have established themselves as mediators through exemplary conduct. In the classic Indian mythology, we have examples of Krishna’s peace mission to the court of Kauravas and Rama who restored order by righteous leadership. We have examples of Vidura, Angada, Hanuman, Bhishma, Yudhisthira, Narada and Vasishtha who acted as mediators and advisors and resolved conflicts through dialogs and wisdom.