Book review: The Success Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik

The Success Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik
PAGES: 151
PRICE: Rs 399 ,

Aleph Book Co.

Renowned author and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik's latest book is derived from his 2013 work The Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management. While The Business Sutra describes an Indian way of doing business, in contrast to the western management practices, the new book discusses the Indian approach we should take to achieve success and prosperity.

The book helps us in understanding ourselves as employees, the organisation we work in and our professional relationships, and how individuals can create institutions using Indian values. Written in the same style as the previous one, the book shares lessons from the stories we all have heard in our childhood. Pattanaik takes stories from Hindu mythology as well as Buddhist and Jain folklore and contextualises these in terms of management practices. In one chapter, for instance, he explains that decisions are contextual. He connects a Vikram-Vetaal story to the problems that promoters of Indian companies face while dealing with succession issues. Should the decision be made on the basis of emotions, equality, fairness, business growth and shareholder values, he asks, adding that all these factors will face opposition from one quarter or the other.

Another chapter compares organisation to the sky comprising stars, planets, and relationships between them as perceived by observers. Unlike the management norm where organisation is nothing but a combination of tasks and targets, the book argues that Indian ethos is different. He argues that chasing targets is like seeking the promised land in Abrahamic mythology. Indian mythology, on the other hand, warns against chasing Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth - and instead encourages us to attract her. He says people should satisfy the hunger of others to satisfy their own. In other words, companies must work towards enriching their shareholders and consumers in order to generate wealth for themselves.

The book is written in a simple language and follows the principle of 'one story, one idea'. No chapter in the book is more than six to seven pages, and this helps you to read and grasp the ideas quickly. I read the entire book in one go, and it took me slightly more than two hours to finish. While it is a quick read, the lessons it offers are invaluable and will last a long time.

The book is a must read for entrepreneurs, executives as well as investors, especially at a time when India is experiencing a start-up boom. Look forward to reading The Leadership Sutra and The Talent Sutra, which Pattanaik has promised by the end of next year.