The Indian approach to business: Devdutt Pattanaik at TEDxGateway 2013

Summary

In this thought-provoking presentation, the speaker draws parallels between modern management practices and ancient religious texts, specifically the Bible and the Puranas. They highlight the concept of three 'Promised Lands' derived from Indian mythology: 'Swar' (paradise), 'Kash' (the outgrowth of hunger), and 'Vun' (prosperity with peace). The speaker explores the human hunger for power, status, and resources, comparing different beliefs in managing this hunger. The ultimate message challenges conventional management practices and urges a shift toward focusing on collective well-being, creating a balance of prosperity with peace.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script explores the similarities between modern management and stories from the Bible, particularly focusing on themes of leadership, vision, and compliance.
• 😀 The story of Exodus is used as a metaphor to describe management principles, emphasizing vision, rules, compliance, and auditors.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts Western management principles with Indian management concepts, questioning whether Indian management could be inspired by the stories in the Puranas.
• 😀 The first 'Promised Land' from Indian mythology is called 'Swar,' which represents a place of material abundance but also insecurity and constant conflict, led by the insecure king Indra.
• 😀 The second 'Promised Land,' called 'Kash,' is represented by Mount Kash, where hunger is outgrown, and there is peace despite the presence of predators and prey.
• 😀 The third 'Promised Land,' 'Vun,' is a place of prosperity and peace where other people's hunger is cared for, and Vishnu engages with the world through various roles.
• 😀 The three Promised Lands represent different approaches to hunger and human desires: indulgence, outgrowth, and satisfying others' hunger while outgrowing one's own.
• 😀 The speaker compares human hunger to animal hunger, emphasizing that human hunger is more complex, involving not just immediate needs but also future security, power, and empathy for others.
• 😀 The key question posed in the script is: In both business and relationships, whose hunger matters first—your own or someone else's?
• 😀 The script critiques the common business belief that 'my hunger matters first,' encouraging a shift toward focusing on other people's hunger to create a more peaceful and prosperous environment.
• 😀 The speaker introduces a 'Business Sutra' model, which suggests that your beliefs shape your behavior and, ultimately, the kind of business or environment you create—either a battleground or a peaceful playground.

Q & A

What is the central idea behind comparing modern management to the Bible story of Exodus?

The central idea is that modern management principles, like the journey to the 'Promised Land,' mirror the biblical story of Exodus. Both emphasize a leader guiding a group toward a better future, with challenges along the way such as non-compliance, regulations, and the need for rules and structure.

How does the speaker connect Indian mythology to management principles?

The speaker suggests that Indian management might be inspired by stories from the Puranas, where there are three 'Promised Lands,' each representing different approaches to managing hunger—physical, emotional, and societal needs—which can be applied to business management.

What is the first 'Promised Land' described in the script, and what does it represent?

The first 'Promised Land' is Svar, symbolizing paradise. In this land, all desires are fulfilled effortlessly through a wish-fulfilling cow, tree, and jewel. However, despite having everything, the ruler Indra is insecure, highlighting that even when needs are met, emotional and psychological insecurities persist.

What does the second 'Promised Land,' Kash, represent, and how is it different from Svar?

Kash, or Mount Kash, represents a state where hunger (both literal and metaphorical) is outgrown. It contrasts with Svar by focusing on inner peace and balance, where desires and fears no longer control people. However, it brings attention to the hunger of others, represented by the goddess, implying that self-satisfaction is incomplete without addressing others' needs.

What is the significance of Vishnu’s 'Promised Land' and how does it relate to peace and prosperity?

The third 'Promised Land' is where Vishnu resides, symbolizing a state of prosperity and peace. Unlike the other two lands, this one focuses on fulfilling others' needs, with Vishnu engaging actively in the world. This approach suggests that real prosperity and peace come from mutual engagement and the care for others' hunger and well-being.

How does the script explain the difference between human hunger and animal hunger?

Human hunger is distinguished from animal hunger by its complexity. While animals seek only immediate food, humans have long-term desires, including the need for security, status, property, and legacy. Additionally, humans have imagination and empathy, enabling them to understand and respond to the hunger of others.

What is the primary question posed by the speaker regarding whose hunger matters first?

The speaker asks whose hunger matters first in various contexts—whether in business, relationships, or society. The question challenges the viewer to reflect on whether personal needs should come first or if addressing the needs of others leads to a more balanced and sustainable world.

What does the speaker imply about the typical business mindset regarding hunger and success?

The typical business mindset, as the speaker suggests, often prioritizes personal hunger (or needs) over others'. This results in a competitive, often exploitative environment. The speaker advocates for a shift where businesses focus on satisfying the hunger of others, leading to more sustainable and peaceful prosperity.

What is the '3B model' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to business success?

The '3B model' refers to the idea that belief shapes behavior and, in turn, business outcomes. According to this model, if you believe your hunger matters most, it leads to a 'battleground' with prosperity but no peace. If you focus on others' hunger, it creates a 'playground' where prosperity coexists with peace. The model emphasizes how different beliefs can shape the nature of business success.

What does the speaker mean by 'Business Sutra,' and how does it apply to the concept of hunger?

'Business Sutra' refers to the idea that belief shapes behavior and business outcomes. The speaker uses this concept to illustrate that if businesses focus on fulfilling others' hunger (needs), it can lead to a harmonious and prosperous environment. This suggests that businesses can achieve success by prioritizing the collective well-being over individual gain.