The Art & Science of Mentoring | Capacity Building Commission
The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is in the process of formalising the Karmayogi Mentorship Guidelines as a structured framework to strengthen mentoring across the Government ecosystem. This initiative aims to institutionalise a culture of guided learning, professional development, and continuous capacity building under Mission Karmayogi.

As part of this effort, CBC is initiating a pilot on mentorship within the organisation. In this context, a session on “The Art & Science of Mentoring” was delivered by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR), CBC.

Drawing from India’s knowledge traditions, the session reflected on the mentoring dialogue in the Bhagavad Gita as one of the most profound examples of guided learning. It highlighted the distinction between a teacher, who teaches the ‘how’, and a Mentor, who illuminates the ‘why, when, and where’.

Key reflections from the session:
●     Mentoring as a human science - rooted in listening, compassion, and a genuine commitment to growth
●     A shift from hierarchy to partnership - from positional authority to purposeful accompaniment
●     Creating an environment where seeking guidance is viewed as an enabler of growth
●     Recognising the responsibility of the mentee - to engage actively and contribute forward
●     Leveraging technology to connect knowledge and experience across geographies

As noted by Dr. Balasubramaniam:
“Mentoring and being mentored require intellectual, emotional, and spiritual intelligence.”

He further emphasised that while the internet provides content, a mentor provides context, a distinction of particular relevance in the complexity of public service.

This session reinforces CBC’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, reflection, and leadership development across civil services.