The Guru–Śiṣya Parampara as a Model for Sustainable Mentoring: A Framework for Lifelong Learning and Skill Transfer in Management Education

Abstract

The Guru–Śiṣya Paramparā (teacher–disciple tradition) of ancient India represents one of the most profound and holistic educational models in world history. It emphasised not only academic learning but also character formation, spiritual growth, and the transmission of tacit knowledge through close personal interaction between the Guru and the Śiṣya. In today’s rapidly evolving management education landscape—dominated by technological instruction and standardised curricula—this traditional model offers timeless lessons in sustainable mentoring, ethics, leadership, and experiential learning. This paper examines the Guru–Śiṣya Paramparā as a framework for lifelong learning and skill transfer in modern management education. Drawing from Indian Knowledge System (IKS) sources such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata, as well as case references like Guru Vashishtha, Guru Sandipani, Lord Rama, and Lord Krishna, this study identifies key pedagogical principles of mentorship. It applies them to the context of 21st-century management learning. Data is drawn from secondary sources, including IKS literature, management pedagogy research, and interviews with educators. Findings suggest that integrating the Guru–Śiṣya framework into management institutions can foster holistic skill transfer, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership—qualities crucial for sustainable management practices.