Introduction

•  ISBN: 978-81-923280-7-2
• Category: Business
• Publishers: Aleph
• Price: Rs. 695/-  ( I got this book from Blog Adda for review)

As you might have guessed by now I am a voracious reader and I literally gobble up books be it fiction, nonfiction, self help or business. I fell in love with Devdutt Pattanaik’s writing when I read his 99 thoughts on Ganesha. His grip on mythology with added knowledge the lucid style of writing had me hooked and I can claim proudly I am huge fan of his after that. I had mentally vowed that day to read each and every book written by him.

The day I saw this book up for review the most striking feature which pushed me to apply for it was its blurb and the cover page. In an instant I knew I had to read this one. Am not I lucky that I was selected to read this one? (Especially when it is currently out of stock on all leading book stores!!)

 About the Author

Devdutt Pattanaik has written over twenty five books and 400 articles on Indian mythology for everyone from adults to children. Since 2007 he has been explaining the relationship between mythology and management through his column in the Economic Times; the talk he gave at the TED India conference in 2009; and the show Business Sutra which ran successfully on CNBC-TV18 in 2012, besides numerous other lectures at Indian Universities and management institutes.

‘Me’ Thinks

Very rarely you come across a book on business which is so beautifully written that are still in awe long after you have finished reading it and you recommend it to each and every person you meet. Business Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik is a masterpiece on business as it brings together the two most powerful things of our country – mythology and business.

The very base of our society has been made up on various beliefs and myths from Vedas and other religious scriptures. But to imagine the base of business being set on this is something I had never imagined. This book is full of things you have heard before but never related to in this context. It is an excellently written book full of wonderful comparisons between the realities of the corporate world and the different mythological beliefs across Hinduism, Jainism and other religions. Though the entire book is full of some priceless words woven around experience and knowledge I am sharing some of my personal favourites:

• Our desire to achieve does not happen in isolation. We seek an audience. When the audience refuses to cheer for us, we work hard until they admire us.
• We want to be seen as we imagine ourselves.
• Questions teach us, not answers.
• Crisis increases the chances of learning.
• To teach, we have to learn to let go.

The most two striking features of this book are the YAMA balance sheet and the How to reject this book portion written by the author. The YAMA balance sheet is true eye opener for each one of us as it shows us few facts of life which we had been ignoring till now. And in the portion How to reject this book the author has indirectly told us what to not expect from this book and directly clarified what should we expect.

Overall an excellently written masterpiece worth reading by every businessman – one who is successful and one who aspires to be one, leaders (both in organizations and in politics), budding entrepreneurs, students, teachers and all who dream of making it big in the business world. A sure shot must have for all book lovers as this one is a priceless possession to have.

Hats Off to Devdutt Pattanaik for this one. Till now I used to just love the way he writes but now I admire his thoughts and writings much more than I did before .

Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management by Devdutt Pattanaik is an insightful exploration of how ancient Indian wisdom can be applied to modern-day business practices. The book draws on Indian philosophy, mythology, and cultural concepts to offer a fresh perspective on leadership, management, and organizational practices, breaking away from the Western-centric models of business.

Pattanaik, known for his ability to interpret mythology and traditional wisdom in the context of contemporary issues, presents a unique approach that blends ancient principles with modern business challenges. In this book, he highlights how Indian cultural and spiritual thought can provide solutions to many of the complexities faced by businesses today.

Overview of the Book

The book is divided into a series of “sutras,” or aphorisms, which are short, concise expressions that encapsulate key ideas and insights. These sutras are rooted in ancient Indian philosophies, mythological stories, and concepts from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, among other traditions. By weaving together business practices with these philosophies, Pattanaik presents a framework for management that is uniquely Indian in its approach.

Business Sutra doesn’t merely focus on leadership and strategy but also on the holistic approach to business—incorporating values like ethics, sustainability, and the importance of human connections. Pattanaik challenges the Western notions of business that prioritize profit over people, growth at any cost, and individualism, suggesting instead that Indian management traditions emphasize balance, cooperation, and ethical leadership.

Key Concepts and Themes

1. Dharma in Business: One of the central themes of the book is Dharma (righteousness or moral duty), a concept from Hindu philosophy that can be applied to business decision-making. Pattanaik explains that a business should not only focus on profit but should also adhere to principles of justice, ethics, and fairness. The idea of Dharma in business means finding a balance between the pursuit of wealth (Artha) and the larger responsibilities to society and the environment.

2. The Concept of Artha (Wealth) and Kama (Pleasure): Artha refers to wealth and material success, while Kama refers to pleasure and enjoyment. In traditional Indian thought, these two goals are not seen as mutually exclusive but are part of a balanced life. In a business context, this can be interpreted as the need to focus on both profitability and the well-being of employees, customers, and stakeholders. It suggests that businesses should aim for sustainable growth that doesn’t come at the cost of human happiness or environmental health.

3. The Role of Leadership: Pattanaik emphasizes the Indian idea of Raja (the ruler) and Vishnu, where leadership is about service and protecting the welfare of all stakeholders, rather than top-down control and profit maximization. Leaders, in this context, are supposed to be protectors who guide their teams towards collective success rather than focusing only on their own advancement.

4. The Role of Women in Business: Drawing on Indian mythology and culture, Pattanaik highlights the importance of recognizing the feminine aspect in business leadership. He discusses how Indian goddesses and female figures in mythology often embody qualities such as nurturing, wisdom, and strength. This contrasts with the typical, more masculine ideals of leadership in Western business models. In Indian thought, the feminine is seen as essential in the pursuit of holistic growth, emphasizing collaboration, inclusiveness, and care for the well-being of others.

5. The Power of Stories (Mythology and Narrative): Central to Pattanaik’s approach is the idea of storytelling and myth as a powerful tool in business. He refers to stories from Indian mythology, like the tales of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, to show how businesses can use narratives to inspire, lead, and create a sense of purpose. These stories offer valuable lessons in morality, leadership, teamwork, and ethics that can be applied to modern-day business challenges.

6. The Balance Between Individual and Collective: In traditional Indian philosophy, individual success is always seen in the context of the larger collective—whether it’s family, society, or the universe. Pattanaik applies this to business, advocating for a management style that fosters cooperation, respect for diversity, and a shared sense of purpose. This is a contrast to the often individualistic and competitive approach seen in Western business practices.

7. Sustainability and Long-Term Thinking: Indian philosophy has always emphasized living in harmony with nature and ensuring that resources are used sustainably. Pattanaik applies this to business, arguing that companies should think long-term, focusing on the environment, ethics, and society rather than short-term gains. This aligns with the idea of “Samsara”, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, suggesting that businesses should consider the long-term impact of their actions on future generations.

The Business Sutra Framework

Each chapter of the book introduces a “sutra” or aphorism that relates an ancient Indian concept to a business idea. Here are a few key examples:

1. “A manager is not a king; he is a servant.”
   This sutra highlights the role of leadership as service, as opposed to a traditional, authoritative role. Leaders should view their responsibility as protecting the welfare of their employees and customers, much like how kings in Indian mythology were expected to protect and serve their subjects.

2. “The individual is part of the collective, not the other way around.”
   In this sutra, Pattanaik emphasizes that the success of an individual is tied to the success of the community. This contrasts with the Western model, which often prioritizes individual achievement over collective success.

3. “The world is cyclical. So is business.”
   This reflects the Indian concept of Samsara, the cycle of creation and destruction. Businesses must recognize that their success will have phases of growth and decline, and they need to build resilience and adapt to inevitable changes. This perspective helps businesses focus on long-term sustainability rather than fleeting success.

4. “Profit is not the ultimate goal; it is a by-product of dharma.”
   Profit, in this view, should be seen as a result of ethical, moral, and responsible business practices. When a company adheres to its dharma, profit follows as a natural consequence, but profit should never be the sole or primary driver of decisions.

Writing Style

Devdutt Pattanaik’s writing is accessible and engaging. His ability to simplify complex philosophical ideas and relate them to practical business applications is one of the reasons his books are so well-regarded. His language is clear, and he uses plenty of examples from Indian mythology and culture to back up his points, making the book not just a business guide but also an informative read on Indian philosophy and history.

While the book is filled with theoretical insights, it is also practical and applicable for modern-day business leaders and managers. Pattanaik is successful in providing a fresh perspective that offers an alternative to the mainstream, often one-size-fits-all management models that dominate the corporate world.

Conclusion

Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management is a thought-provoking exploration of how ancient Indian wisdom can influence modern business practices. It challenges the typical Western ideas of business management, emphasizing ethics, balance, collective success, and long-term sustainability. By using Indian mythology and spiritual philosophies, Devdutt Pattanaik creates a framework for business leaders who seek to lead with integrity and compassion while achieving success in a complex, interconnected world.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in rethinking traditional approaches to business, especially those looking to incorporate deeper values like ethics, cooperation, and sustainability into their management styles. It offers a refreshing and culturally rich perspective that can be both practical and transformative in today’s business landscape.

Would you like to explore any particular concept or sutra from the book in more detail?