Page 55 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

8. Lessons from the Skanda Purana (Strategic Risk-Taking and Leadership by
Example):
The Skanda Purana is one of the largest and most revered texts in Hinduism, rich
in stories of the divine, cosmology, and mythology, with a special focus on Lord
Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. This Purana delves into themes of leadership, valor,
and the importance of duty, and it is replete with lessons on how to achieve success
through discipline, courage, and strategic action. Central to the Skanda Purana are
the concepts of overcoming obstacles, the power of perseverance, and the importance
of teamwork and loyalty in achieving a common goal.
In the context of strategic wisdom for modern businesses, the Skanda Purana offers
valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and collaboration. Leaders can draw
inspiration from Kartikeya’s embodiment of courage and determination, applying
these qualities when facing challenges in the corporate world. The emphasis on duty
and responsibility in the Skanda Purana encourages organizations to uphold their
commitments and act with integrity, focusing on both immediate goals and long-term
vision.
Moreover, the Skanda Purana teaches the value of collaboration and trust within
teams. Just as Lord Kartikeya assembled a loyal army to confront the demon
Tarakasura, modern organizations can foster teamwork and collaboration to achieve
complex objectives. In business, this translates to empowering teams, fostering
loyalty, and maintaining a collective focus on success. The lessons of perseverance
and overcoming adversity in the Skanda Purana are especially pertinent in today’s
volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment, where
resilience and determination are key to enduring success.

By drawing from the Skanda Purana, business leaders and students of management
can gain insights into the importance of ethical leadership, strategic collaboration,
and resilience in the face of challenges, ensuring sustainable success and growth in
an ever-changing marketplace.

Strategic Lesson: Strategic Risk-Taking and Leadership by Example
Skanda Purana’s tales of Kartikeya highlight the qualities of bravery, strategic
thinking, and taking calculated risks. Kartikeya led the gods’ armies to victory against
demons, demonstrating leadership in the face of danger and strategic risk-taking. In
business, this lesson teaches the importance of calculated risks and leading from the
front. Sometimes, the only way to achieve breakthroughs is by taking risks, but these
risks should be strategically planned and supported by strong leadership that sets an
example for others to follow.

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