This section is an excerpt from the book; Indian Family Business Mantras portraying how family enterprises in India can balance tradition with modern business practices.
From Peter Leach’s book- Family Businesses: The Essentials, Tatwamasi Dixit Ji, has recontextualized the concept of global governance frameworks of family constitutions, independent boards, and succession protocols into the Indian cultural and philosophical concepts.
The book synthesizes modern management techniques with traditional Indian philosophies, highlighting unique family dynamics and values. It emphasizes that strong family governance is crucial for corporate success, grounding businesses in ingrained value systems. A major focus is on managing transitions and ensuring continuity, especially as older generations step back. It explores how concepts from Hindu scriptures influence business interactions and conflict resolution.
Here is a series of eight curated insights, published periodically, that examine diverse facets of family business dynamics, complemented by relevant references from Indian mythology and historical contexts.
In the epic Mahabharata, the outcome of strategic alliances forged during the Pandavas’ exile is illustrated.
The Father–Son Alliance Against Corruption
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Tatwamasi Dixit
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Peter Leach
This book will create much needed awareness to upcoming entrepreneurs as well as established family businesses about the challenges in family businesses, and then motivate the decision makers to take proactive initiatives to overcome them.
– G.M. Rao, Founder and Chairman of GMR Group
The authors take you through the reality and behind closed doors of what actually happens in family businesses. They suggest solutions for problems and practical steps for realisation of objectives of the family businesses. The book is a must-read for every family business.
– Ram Charan, bestselling author and global adviser to CEOs
Leading a family business is hard work. Indian Family Business Mantras is a wonderful guidebook on how to overcome classic challenges and achieve success in family business! It is must-read for anyone with a family business in India. Tatwamasi is both a deep thinker and a practical coach and I love learning from and working with him.
– Marshall Goldsmith, renowned author and one of the top ten influential business thinkers in the world
Indian Family Business Mantras makes for lucid and easy reading. Shaped from the rigorous experience of the authors, the book distils their wisdom and erudition, blending Indian cultural traditions with modern Western world views. The authors cover wide and deep ground—through the life cycle of family business governance and diving deep into the socio-economic, socio-cultural and socio-psychological underpinnings of family business. Very refreshing!
– P.M. Kumar, Group Holding Member, GMR Group
The views, interpretations, and insights presented in this series are intended solely for informational and educational purposes. They reflect general observations on family business dynamics, supported by references to Indian mythology and historical events, and should not be construed as professional, legal, financial, or business advice.
Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and seek independent professional guidance before making any decisions based on the content.
“In the Sanskrit narrative, the Mahabharata, the Pandava family were on a thirteen-year exile during which they had neither wealth nor power. What brought them victory in the war against the Kauravas was the series of tactical alliances they made while in exile. They won the favour of the Panchala King as a result of their marriage with the princess Draupadi; the kingdom of Dwaraka became their ally due to the marriage between Arjuna and Subhadra; the marriage between Sahadeva and Vijaya brought Magadha under their wing; Chedi became an important partner following the marriage of Nakula and Karanamayi; and Bhima tying the knot with Balandhara brought the kingdom of Kasi into the Pandava alliance.”
An excerpt from the book
Abstract:
In the epic Mahabharata, the outcome of strategic alliances forged during the Pandavas’ exile is illustrated. Through marriages with Draupadi, Subhadra, Vijaya, Karanamayi, and Balandhara, they united powerful kingdoms under their banner, transforming vulnerability into strength. These alliances were more than personal—they were tactical moves that ensured survival, stability, and eventual victory.
This ancient wisdom resonates deeply within the world of Indian family businesses. Marital alliances have historically served as bridges between influential families, expanding networks, consolidating resources, and strengthening social capital. Beyond the financial and strategic benefits, these unions often bring emotional equilibrium to complex family structures. Women, traditionally seen as the Chief Emotional Officers, play a pivotal role in maintaining harmony, mediating conflicts, and safeguarding family values. Their influence extends into succession planning and legacy preservation, making them silent architects of continuity. At its core, the concept of marital alliances symbolizes integration and expansion. In family businesses, these alliances are not mere social customs; they are strategic levers that reinforce emotional bonds while creating competitive advantage.