The Quintessential Organization

When we compare and introspect our modern management method being followed in today’s corporate world; it has the relation between the art and science of traditional management, in each and every aspect as narrated by our Indian mythology.

To start with, let us ask ourselves two questions. 
1.      What is the purpose of an organization?
2.      Who is an Ideal leader?

This is an attempt to find the answer for the questions with reference to our mythology. 

To understand these two questions, let us first understand what our Indian mythology says about the way of doing business. We all know that the concept of business was brought from the western culture. Now introspect what is its Indian context?

In 326 B.C. Alexander ‘The Great’, the Greek emperor who conquered the world came to India. In the banks of the river Indus, he met a person called a Gymnosophist. This Gymnosophist is a naked man (similar to Gomatheswara Bahubali at Saravanabelagola) who was experiencing nothingness like a hermit or monk. They both conversed and each of them had a different perception about the human existence.

For all the days, throughout his life, Alexander was taught by his parents that there is only one life and the purpose of it is to do something extraordinary or sum of achievements, which is for self aggrandizement. Whereas the Gymnosophist felt, there is no value to anything that we do. If it is not so, ask yourself, why are you doing it and what are you doing (What is the purpose of an organization). Figure it out. The answer is that the ultimate aim of an organization is to create Happiness.

Happiness. When do we all feel happy? It is only when we have the suffice wealth (i.e.) material tangible wealth, intellectual wealth and emotional wealth. Interestingly, these 3 things have been represented by our mythology in the form of 3 Goddess.

v  Material tangible wealth         =          Goddess. Lakshmi       =          Money

v  Intellectual wealth                  =          Goddess. Saraswathi    =          Knowledge

v  Emotional wealth                   =          Goddess. Shakthi         =          Power

So, the answer behind the question, “What is the purpose of an organization” is understood and clear.

Lord. Indira, the king of gods is in constant pursuit of wealth and success. So, he tries to capture the wealth goddess, Lakshmi. Nevertheless, Lakshmi always wants to be on the side of Lord. Vishnu. Whom mythology says is an Ideal leader. Again, let us understand why Vishnu is considered to be a leader; we all know that there are three gods because of whom the whole world is functioning. What is their duty?

v  Lord. Brahma  – The Creator

v  Lord. Vishnu    – The Care Taker / Sustenance / Managing

v  Lord. Shiva      – The Destroyer

Now it is obvious that the person who takes care of the people and their happiness, both in long term and in short term is an Ideal Leader. It expected from The Board that it has to demonstrate their foresight towards the welfare of all employees and stands as an epitome for Leadership.

                                                                                                                (Quintessential =A perfect example of something)

Bibliography
Devdutt Pattanaik talks in 'Business Sutra' episode with CNBC