On March 16th, 2016, Radhanath Swami was invited by Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Group and Western Region Director of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), to deliver the closing Key Note Address at CII’s conference on ‘Enabling Inclusive Growth Through Social Engagement’ at the Hotel Taj Palace in Mumbai. Over 300 industry leaders attended. Founded in 1895, CII is one of the largest industry bodies of India with over 200,000 companies directly or indirectly part of its membership.
As per the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Indian Companies Act of 2013, every organization above certain turnover is expected to reinvest at least 2% of its average net profit for the immediately preceding 3 financial years back into the society on CSR activities. The purpose of the event was two-fold – one to discuss and deliberate on groundbreaking leadership attributes and to channelize social impact. The Nobel laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi was invited to share his experience on social impact while Radhanath Swami was given the task to enlighten the leaders on conscious entrepreneurship and the importance of corporate ethics to support positive growth which is need of the hour around the globe.
Radhanath Swami began by highlighting the importance of compassion, sharing his experience of speaking with one of the multi-millionaire businessman in the United States. He asked him to list down things which money cannot buy. It was unbelievable for the gentlemen as he was able to come up with a long list of things which money cannot buy. The essence of the conversation was one must earn with integrity and spend with compassion.
Radhanath Swami also quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s words “Be the change you want to see in this world”. There are usually two options leaders in the industry have during their journey – win at all costs versus win where it matters. When it comes to winning it’s very easy to compromise one’s values. Radhanath Swami ended his talk by highlighting the importance of satsang, sadhana and sadachar which are ingredients for leaders who want to be victorious by winning where it matters. Satsang involves associating with the right people, Sadhana involves engaging oneself in some kind of spiritual practice, meditation, etc. while sadachar is about building ones character. If one’s succeeds in a life which is not based on sound spiritual values then it could be like winning the battle but losing the war.
Other eminent speakers at the event included Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee Director General Confederation of Indian Industry and member of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Sumit Mazumder Chairman and Managing Director TIL Limited, Mr. Sudhir Mehta Chairman and Managing Director Pinnacle Industries Ltd., Tejal Patil General Counsel GE South Asia, Dr Mukund Rajan Member Group Executive Council Tata Sons Ltd., Mr. Ninad Karpe Managing Director and CEO Aptech Limited.
Below you will find feedback from few attendees of the conference.
“Spiritual leader’s discourse was phenomenal – I must appreciate CII for thinking of this ‘different’ method of delivering a standard message.”
Ravindra Bhide, Client Partner, Global Industrial Markets, Korn Ferry
“I was very happy listening to some very good talks by the eminent speakers called today.”
Tarun Grover Managing Director Tracers India
“It was a wonderful event and I enjoyed it.”
Jinesh Shah, Managing Director, Omnivore Partners
“It was the most divine experience listening to Radhanath Swami.”
Aliya Hasal, CEO, Drum Cafe
