On a lighter note, one needs to be wary of managements which exhort one to follow the much-misunderstood principle of detachment expounded in the Bhagavad Gita. They would have one believe that one should continue to slog all year long but would do well not to expect that elusive overdue promotion. One can then either grin and bear it or take prompt action through proper channels to get oneself detached from the company and move on to greener pastures elsewhere!
When Azim Premji decides to pledge his personal wealth for social causes, or when Tata Trusts start work on distributing iron-fortified salt in a state where women happen to be anaemic, the purpose for which businesses exist gets widened. When the hero of the movie Swades (2004, Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar) decides to chuck a promising career with NASA and return to serve his country, he is looking at the bigger picture selflessly.
This is how the Bhagavad Gita explains this state of mind:
दूरेण ह्यवरं कर्म बुद्धियोगाद्धनञ्जय ।
बुद्धौ शरणमन्विच्छ कृपणा: फलहेतव: ॥ 2.49॥
Far inferior to the Yoga of intellect, indeed, is action, O winner of wealth. Take refuge in the intellect. Pitiful are those who live for the fruits.
(An excerpt from my latest book, ‘Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma’)
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