Anupam Pattanayak’s The Dharma Code: Ancient Ethics, Modern Boardrooms arrives at a crucial moment in global business culture, where ethical lapses, governance failures, and the obsession with short-term profits have eroded trust in leadership. Drawing from his decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Pattanayak offers a work that feels both urgent and enduring—one that reimagines the boardroom as a modern-day Kurukshetra, where leaders must confront questions of conscience, integrity, and responsibility.
What makes this book remarkable is its ability to bridge the wisdom of the Mahabharata with the practical challenges of contemporary leadership. Pattanayak avoids abstraction by introducing structured tools such as the Dharma Compass and the Ethical Decision Matrix, which help leaders evaluate and resolve dilemmas with clarity. These frameworks transform philosophy into actionable strategies, whether the issue is whistleblower protection, shareholder disputes, or succession planning.
The narrative comes alive through the use of epic archetypes: Krishna as strategist and guide, Yudhishthira as a symbol of truth and integrity, Karna as a reminder of misplaced loyalty, and Bhishma as the cost of silence in the face of injustice. In weaving these figures into corporate contexts, Pattanayak not only makes the Mahabharata accessible to global readers but also underscores its universal relevance—the struggles of the ancient battlefield mirror those of today’s boardrooms.
The book gains further weight from the author’s professional journey. This is not the work of an armchair philosopher but of a leader who has navigated the complexities of global business. His anecdotes and insights illustrate how ethical choices can be a source of strength rather than constraint, aligning profit with purpose and positioning organizations for long-term resilience. In an era shaped by ESG imperatives, this vision feels especially timely.
Pattanayak’s style is clear, engaging, and inclusive. He avoids heavy jargon, explains Indian philosophical concepts in accessible terms, and provides a glossary for readers unfamiliar with them. Case studies, diagrams, and reflection prompts ensure the book is as practical as it is philosophical, making it equally useful for CEOs, board members, CSR leaders, management students, and curious general readers.
What shines through most is the author’s sincerity. The Dharma Code is not a repackaging of ancient wisdom for quick appeal; it is a thoughtful, deeply considered work born from conviction. By presenting the Mahabharata as a universal epic of human choices rather than a religious text, Pattanayak broadens its relevance, inviting readers of all backgrounds to reflect on their own leadership journeys.
Ultimately, The Dharma Code stands out as a powerful contribution to leadership literature. It challenges the false dichotomy between ethics and profitability, arguing instead that true leadership lies in stewardship, accountability, and service to a greater purpose. In a world often driven by short-term gains, Pattanayak’s call to root leadership in dharma—duty, responsibility, and higher principles—offers both a moral compass and a strategic advantage.
More than a guide to corporate governance, this book is a manifesto for leading with integrity, courage, and vision. It leaves readers with a profound reminder: leadership is not about self-interest or power—it is about fulfilling one’s dharma.