EP 20 Is this India’s century, and why? ft. Debashis Chatterjee

In a country still grappling with poverty and deprivation, where "chaos" is a way of life, sceptics might see this question as loaded. But for Professor Debashis Chatterjee, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Fresh from organizing a conference in London, titled Globalising Indian Thought, Professor Chatterjee brings a bold vision to the table—one that redefines what India can offer the world. When we sat down for what was meant to be a 45-minute discussion, it turned into a deeply engrossing conversation that stretched over twice the time. His passion for Indian thought and its relevance today was infectious—and I hope you find as much value in it as I did. A distinguished Professor and the longest-serving Director of an IIM, he leads one of India’s most iconic institutions—a product of Nehru’s vision to create a world-class educational ecosystem modelled on the likes of Harvard. Yet, he boldly questions, “What’s Indian about these Indian Institutes of Management?”—a question he is applying directly to IIM Kozhikode, the institution he leads. This provocative question drives his mission to transform IIM Kozhikode into a modern-day Gurukul, blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary leadership.  And here’s why this matters: Did you know that more than 20 Indian-origin CEOs head billion-dollar companies globally? These leaders aren’t just products of great institutions—they’re rooted in a way of thinking that combines resilience, adaptability, and community-driven values. As the author of books like Karma Sutra: Leadership and Wisdom in Uncertain Times and Timeless Leadership: 18 Leadership Sutras from the Bhagavad Gita, and 17 such books, Professor Chatterjee brings ancient philosophy into sharp focus for modern leadership challenges. For him, the world doesn’t need another technological revolution from the West. What it needs is a cognitive revolution, one that only India’s unique thought process can lead. This episode isn’t just about India’s rise—it’s about understanding the mindset behind it. If you’re someone curious about what Indian thought really means, its relevance today, how to make sense of the “chaos” that India often brings, or simply want to learn what true leadership looks like, this conversation is for you. Professor Chatterjee’s insights are profound yet practical, drawn from decades of experience and a deep belief that India is uniquely poised to lead the world—not by imitating, but by innovating and inspiring. So, tune in to hear why he believes the 21st century belongs to India, how a cognitive revolution could reshape leadership, and what lessons this ancient yet modern nation holds for all of us navigating a rapidly changing world. FULL VIDEO You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@loveenatandonofficial PODCAST SMART LINK  https://bingepods.com/podcast/podcast-rn7moe Loveena Tandon: HOST: SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/loveenatandon/ Twitter/X https://twitter.com/loveenatandon Instagram https://www.instagram.com/loveenatandonofficial/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D https://www.instagram.com/tandonloveena/?igsh=MW5tOHdlc3cyMGJrOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices