Entrepreneurship lessons from “Bhagavad Gita”

Recently, Apeejay School of Management organised an insightful guest lecture on “Entrepreneurship lessons from Bhagavad Gita” presented by Mr. Jigar Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of Nirmal Enterprise Pvt. Ltd., who shared profound insights on entrepreneurship and leadership drawn from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Known for his integrity and extensive industry experience, Mr. Shah explored how ancient wisdom can guide modern business leaders.

Mr. Shah began by highlighting the Gita’s relevance in defining purpose and resilience in entrepreneurship. He emphasized Swadharma, or one’s individual duty, explaining that a clear mission aligns business goals and strengthens an entrepreneur’s resolve, especially during challenges. He also discussed Nishkama Karma—the concept of focusing on one’s efforts without attachment to outcomes. This, he explained, can help reduce stress, as success and failure are viewed as parts of the journey. Entrepreneurs who concentrate on the process, rather than solely on results, build resilience and stay grounded.

A key aspect of Mr. Shah’s talk was Vairagya, or detachment, which allows leaders to make objective decisions without being influenced by personal biases. This detachment, he noted, is crucial for adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment. He also emphasised the importance of leading with empathy and integrity, drawing inspiration from Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s mentor. Treating teams with respect and fostering trust, Mr. Shah explained, creates a positive work culture that inspires loyalty and dedication.

Additionally, Mr. Shah discussed the balance of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and action (Karma Yoga). He advised entrepreneurs to pair strategic thinking with decisive action to drive innovation and growth.

Mr. Shah’s lecture offered a fresh perspective on applying timeless wisdom to modern business challenges, emphasising clarity of purpose, resilience, ethical leadership, and balanced decision-making. The session left the audience inspired to adopt these principles, reinforcing the idea that values from the Bhagavad Gita are invaluable in building sustainable and impactful business