On 21 September 2019, a workshop was conducted on Bhartiya Management. The Spokespersons in the workshop were Dr. Sudhakar, H.R. Venkatesha and Mr. Manish Kothari.
Bharatiya management is a different perspective or an additional way of looking at things based on our Indian culture. It also brings a sense of pride and is easy to relate to as we have our roots connected to it. It is made of the two terms, Bharatiya, meaning, in its broadest sense, geographic and Management, meaning, in its broadest sense, not restricted to business management. Unlike the western approach of profitability towards business, we see it as an integral part of society with the core function of creating wealth for society. This comes from the concept of “SARVA LOKA HITAM”. The emphasis is on creating good managers rather than providing management tools. It substitutes the western model of ‘exploiting’ with the welfare model. Welfare here refers to welfare to everyone. Our traditional practice of Rangoli can also be used as a management tool of inclusiveness.
There is a 1-89-1 principle (Rigveda Mandala-1, Hymn-89, Verse-1) which says, “Let noble thoughts come to us from every side”. Mythology is not a myth, myth is not always negative.
Real-life case studies of Bharatiya Management are there, like Dabbawala, Tilak Mehta, Suhas Gopinath, Byju’s Learning, Café coffee day. There are several other case studies that can be taken into consideration in Bharatiya management which were cited in the workshop.
On the other side, there are also many risks in Bharatiya management like Interpretation of texts, Nostalgic research, Variations, Absence of structured textbooks, etc.
Bharatiya management for students was also discussed covering the following points:
- The great Epics told by our ancestors have to be studied as case studies for various management aspects.
- Characters like lord Rama have to be taken as inspiration for building great leadership qualities.
- Concepts like Saam, Daam, Dand, and Bhed have to be interpreted positively and followed.
- Our culture has to be respected and studied equally as a western management study, which develops a good managing ability of non-measurable aspects also.
The workshop ended on a positive and spiritual note, with various lessons and teachings taken by the students as well as faculties present.