Devdutt Pattanaik uses analogies from Indian mythology

The last session of the Business Today MindRush conclave on Saturday (December 14) had well-known mythologist and Chief Belief Officer of the Future Group Devdutt Pattanaik, explaining the many patterns of doing business using analogies from Indian mythology.

Most people, Pattanaik said, are like Indra, the king of Swarga or Heaven, who had his share of weaknesses. But they have to be nudged towards "Vishnu-hood", a more idealistic way of doing business where prosperity can be achieved through peace.

"For Indra, his own hunger matters most. Shiva believes he can outgrow hunger and Vishnu believes your hunger matters most," Pattanaik said.

Pattanaik said that hunger in management terms could mean the hunger of many: shareholders, customers, employees, vendors, politicians, regulators, the environment, or even the rest of society.