Chanakya’s Concept of ‘Lokasangraha’ (Welfare of the People) in Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable development demands governance systems that integrate economic progress, social equity, and ecological sustainability. While the current governance systems are mainly Western, the ancient Indian systems, specifically Chanakya's Lokasangraha, present a novel system of ethical leadership and sustainability. This study examines Lokasangraha as a system of governance in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Employing the comparative analytical method, this research compares Lokasangraha with contemporary models of sustainability like the Nordic welfare model, the European Green Deal, and ESG ideas. The conclusions highlight the critical role of ethical leadership, responsibility on the part of groups and states, and distributive justice to guarantee sustainable results in the long term. The study concludes that the integration of moral governance in economic and environmental policies enhances social stability, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Lokasangraha provides useful lessons for contemporary governance, showing how ethical leadership can solve global sustainability issues. Business leaders and policymakers can apply Lokasangraha-inspired approaches to improve balanced and inclusive growth.