‘Chaar Purusharth Manuj Ke hain, Unamen Teen Nivesh Ke Marm,

Ek ‘Arth, Dooja ‘Kaam’, Teesaraa Wa Antim Hai ‘Dharm’- Shivam

Translation: Four goals guide a person’s life; three of them make his investment to strive.

By following the righteousness, he manages his wealth grow and fulfills his desires.

Purushartha, Dharma, Kama, Moksha, Ethical investing, Sustainable investing, Financial prosperity, Financial security

The Pillar of Kama: Aligning investments with desires

Kama, one of the Purusharthas, pertains to the pursuit of desires, including pleasure, enjoyment, and emotional fulfillment. While it might not seem directly related to financial investment, Kama can still provide guidance in these areas:

1. Investing in experiences: Kama encourages individuals to seek enjoyment and fulfillment in life like travel, hobbies, or cultural activities. While these may not always have monetary returns, they contribute to overall happiness and well-being.

2. Balancing risk and reward: Just as Kama involves balancing desires and pleasures with responsibilities and consequences, it can guide individuals in finding a balance between seeking higher returns through riskier investments and prioritizing stability and security.

3. Supporting loved ones: Kama encompasses nurturing relationships and supporting loved ones.

4. Investing in personal growth: Kama encourages personal growth and self-improvement.

5. Philanthropy: Kama involves compassion and empathy towards others. In the realm of investment, this could mean allocating resources towards charitable causes, social impact investments, or philanthropic endeavours that bring joy and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

It is said, ‘Kaamaay Dukhbhagyaay, Kaamaaya Sukhsmpadah’.

Depending on how desires are pursued, they can lead to either misery or prosperity. In financial investments, wise choices guided by desires for happiness and fulfilment can lead to success and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The relevance of the Purusharthas—Dharma, Artha, and Kama—in financial investment is profound. They provide a balanced framework that guides individuals not only to grow their wealth but to do so in a manner that is ethically sound, financially prudent, and personally fulfilling. By integrating these ancient principles into modern investment strategies, one can achieve a holistic approach to wealth management.

Suffice to say that Purusharthas not only enrich our spiritual and moral lives but also enhance our practical engagements in the world of finance, making them as relevant today as they were in ancient times.

(The writer is senior Vice-president, SBI Funds Management Limited; Translation and content by Vijuy Ronjan, (Ex-CGM, SBI) a writer, a motivational speaker, and a philanthropist)