In a world where boardroom decisions are often guided by profit margins, quarterly growth charts, and shareholder expectations, The Dharma Code: Ancient Ethics, Modern Boardrooms by Anupam Pattanayak arrives as a refreshing and timely voice. It is not just another management or leadership book; rather, it is a rare confluence of two distinct worlds—the ancient wisdom of the Mahabharata and the modern-day corporate battlefield. At its heart, this book redefines leadership, not as domination or control, but as dharma—duty, responsibility, and the courage to make decisions rooted in ethical clarity.
What makes this work remarkable is its ability to distill timeless Indian philosophy into accessible, practical tools for today’s leaders. Pattanayak introduces concepts like the “Dharma Compass” and the “Ethical Decision Matrix,” frameworks designed to bring clarity to complex dilemmas that plague corporate life. Whether it is handling whistleblowing, navigating conflicts of interest, or deciding the future of a business through succession planning, the book positions every boardroom as a modern-day Kurukshetra—a battlefield where difficult choices demand moral judgment. The metaphor is not just poetic but deeply resonant. Anyone who has faced the intensity of corporate life will instantly recognize the parallels with the epic’s ethical struggles.
The most engaging aspect of the book lies in its storytelling approach. Rather than presenting leadership lessons as dry theories, Pattanayak draws from the Mahabharata’s rich tapestry of characters and situations to weave practical insights. Krishna’s strategic brilliance, Bhishma’s adherence to vows, Yudhishthira’s integrity, and Arjuna’s moral dilemmas are not presented as distant tales from mythology but as mirrors to the conflicts every leader faces in today’s high-stakes world. These narratives are then linked with contemporary case studies from the corporate landscape, making the lessons immediately relevant. The reader does not merely consume philosophy but sees it applied in scenarios that could unfold in their own professional environment.
Another strength of the book is its accessibility. While it draws deeply from Indian tradition, it consciously avoids the trap of being overly academic or weighed down by jargon. The language is clear, approachable, and designed for a wide readership—from CEOs and board members to students just beginning their journey in management education. Even readers outside India, unfamiliar with the Mahabharata, will find the wisdom translated into universal principles of ethics and leadership. The glossary and visual tools further ensure that the book is not just inspiring but also practical and actionable.
Pattanayak’s own professional credibility adds significant weight to the work. With nearly three decades of global experience in corporate leadership and consulting, he writes with the authority of someone who has lived the dilemmas he discusses. This is not a theoretical imposition of ancient philosophy onto modern contexts, but rather a carefully considered integration, informed by years of navigating transformation and advising organizations at the highest levels. His ability to merge the visionary insights of Indian philosophy with the precision of corporate strategy makes the book both unique and credible.
One of the most striking themes of The Dharma Code is the idea that leadership is not about personal power but about aligning individual and organizational purpose with a higher ethical duty. This is a radical departure from the often transactional way leadership is understood in many boardrooms today. The book insists that true success cannot be measured by profit alone, but must also consider the impact on people, communities, and the larger ecosystem. In an age where ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks are gaining global attention, Pattanayak’s work feels not only insightful but also profoundly relevant.
At times, the book challenges the reader to reflect deeply on their own choices. It is not merely a manual for decision-making but also a mirror for self-examination. Through its reflection prompts and narrative style, it asks difficult questions: What values guide your decisions when no one is watching? How do you balance personal ambition with organizational duty? When faced with a dilemma, do you choose what is convenient, or what is right? In this way, The Dharma Code does more than educate; it transforms the reader’s perspective on what it means to lead.
If there is one area where readers may find themselves challenged, it is in the book’s depth of philosophical engagement. For those unfamiliar with the Mahabharata, the symbolic references may initially feel demanding. However, the author’s clear explanations and thoughtful analogies quickly bridge this gap. Far from being an obstacle, this becomes an invitation for readers to explore the richness of Indian thought, perhaps even beyond the book itself.
Ultimately, The Dharma Code: Ancient Ethics, Modern Boardrooms is more than a book about business—it is a call to reimagine leadership itself. It urges us to look beyond the narrow lens of financial gain and power struggles, to see leadership as a sacred responsibility. By grounding corporate dilemmas in the wisdom of the Mahabharata, Pattanayak not only makes the ancient epic relevant to the modern world but also offers a roadmap for leaders to act with clarity, courage, and compassion.
This book is a must-read for anyone who believes that leadership is not just about making the right moves but about becoming the right kind of person. It will resonate with CEOs steering through turbulent markets, with entrepreneurs navigating ethical crossroads, with students eager to understand the essence of leadership, and with anyone seeking to align their personal and professional life with a higher sense of purpose.
In the end, Pattanayak succeeds in demonstrating that the boardroom, like the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is not just a place of conflict but also of profound possibility. The choices made there ripple far beyond balance sheets, shaping lives, societies, and the future. By bringing dharma into these choices, leaders can not only achieve success but also create legacies rooted in integrity and impact. The Dharma Code is, therefore, not just a guide but a compass—pointing toward a leadership model that the world urgently needs today.
