Surya Tahora
  •  surya.tahora@spjimr.org

Surya Tahora

Professor, General Management

Executive Director, Centre for Wisdom in Leadership

Surya Tahora is a professor in the area of general management at SPJIMR. He teaches Spirituality and Leadership to around six hundred MBA and Executive MBA students annually and conducts workshops for various organisations in India, Europe, and Asia.

Surya is also the Executive Director of the Centre for Wisdom in Leadership (CWIL) at SPJIMR. The objective of this Centre of Practice is to create and disseminate ideas for a more responsible and sustainable society by bringing together the domains of leadership and traditions of wisdom from East to West. The Centre seeks to become a global, research-driven, and innovative platform for impacting leadership practices.

Before entering into academics and pursuing his passion for teaching, Surya Tahora had a successful career with multinational companies in Europe and Asia in senior leadership roles in Marketing, International Business Development, and Strategic Planning for 14 Years.

Read More

Education

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Institute of Vedanta and Sanskrit, Coimbatore, India

Equivalent to Doctorate in Indian Philosophy, 2013

Paris XI University, School of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, France

Ph.D., 1994

Focus: Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Industry

INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France

High Potential Young Manager Programme, 1993

Aix-Marseille University, IAE AIX School of Management, France

MBA, 1988

  • Research interests

    Eastern Wisdom Traditions

    Leadership Development

  • Case studies

    Jayakumar, T., Tahora, S. (2021) Danone: Leading Change by Rejigging Purpose? Ivey Publishing.

    Jayakumar, T., Tahora, S. (2017) Building a Backdoor to the iPhone: An ethical dilemma. Ivey Publishing.

    Link to Google Scholar

  • Books/Book chapters

    Saraswati, S. D., S. Tahora, Trans., (2025). Cours d’Étude de la Bhagavad Gita Volume 5. Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0DWLG894P

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2024). Cours d’Étude de la Bhagavad Gita –Volume 4 (Volume 4 of Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s 4,000 pages commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in 9 volumes. (French edition) ( 379 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CSDWZ85Q

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2021). Cours d’Étude de la Bhagavad Gita –Volume 3 (Volume 3 of Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s 4,000 pages commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in 9 volumes. (French edition) (252 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09GXDD52K/

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2021). Cours d’Étude de la Bhagavad Gita –Volume 2 (Volume 2 of Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s 4,000 pages commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in 9 volumes) (French edition) (370 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B08ZTZ9H3F

    Tahora, S., Majmudar,N. (2020). Vivre la Vision de l’Un: explorer la réalité et grandir (French edition of ‘Living the vision of oneness: exploring realities and growing as an individual; by same authors) (362 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B08DG5RYLK

    Saraswati, S.D., Tahora, S. (2020). Cours d’Étude de la Bhagavad Gita –Volume 1 (Volume 1 of Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s 4,000 pages commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in 9 volumes.) (French edition) (235 pages) Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B084DH57J7/

    Tahora, S., Shah, S., Rooney, D. (2019). Vedanta Philosophy’s Contribution to Wisdom Development for Leadership: Grounding Indian Practical Wisdom in Higher Knowledge and Purpose. In: Sternberg R., Nusbaum H., Glück J. (eds) Applying Wisdom to Contemporary World Problems. Palgrave Macmillan. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-20287-3_12

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2019). Kena Upanishad. (Kena Upanishad) (French Edition) (195 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07S775ZNV/

    Saraswati, S. D., Tahora, S. (2017). Mundaka Upanishad, Tome (Mundaka Upanishad volume 2) (French edition) (252 pages).Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B073LF8C4F/

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2017). Mundaka Upanishad, Tome 1. (Mundaka Upanishad volume 1) (French edition) (198 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B073M293SG/

    Saraswati,S.V., Tahora, S. (2012). Le matin à l’aube, je contemple: Pratah Smarami de Sankara (Pratah smarami by Sankaracarya) (French edition) (76 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B009M4KERY/

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2012). Introduction au Vedanta: Comprendre le problème fondamental. (Introduction to Vedanta, understanding the fundamental problem) (French edition) (128 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B009IF7K0G/

    Tahora,S., Majmudar,N. (2012). Living the vision of oneness: Exploring realities and growing as an individual (274 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ETG9OO/

    Saraswati,S.D., Tahora, S. (2012). La valeur des valeurs (The value of values) (French edition) (178 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B009K2XICQ/

    Saraswati,S.D.(2012).Méditations et prières: L’acceptation du passé (Meditations and prayers: The acceptance of the past) (French edition) (68 pages). Discover Vedanta Publications. https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B009IF7JZ2/

  • Conferences

    Tahora, S., and Rattanani, J., Has management education failed and where do we go now? Paper presented at the “Spirituality and Business in the Anthropocene Era” – 20th Anniversary Conference of the European SPES (Spirituality in Economics and Society) Institute, Budapest, Hungary. (June 20–22, 2024)

    Tahora, S. (Author and Presenter), The Awakened Campus Global Initiative Conference a virtual conference-Wisdom for Leadership Development, “Business and Management”, Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Columbia University and European SPES (Spirituality in Economics and Society. (November 29, 2022)

  • Periodicals

  • Courses

    Some titles among the academic courses conducted:

    Leading with wisdom

    Insights and practices for lasting success

    Journey to self-mastery

    The pursuit of mindful leadership

    The quest for meaning and fulfilment

    Practices to anchor yourself in a chaotic world

    Contemplative practices for leaders

    Freeing yourself from limiting mental models

    Navigating intelligently through the ups and downs of life

  • Teaching interest

    Eastern Philosophy

    Contemplative Practices

    Cognitive Neurosciences

    Leadership Development

    Human development

    Ethics

  • Work experience

    S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai (March 2014 – present)

    Professor, Management and Society

    Executive Director Centre for Wisdom in Leadership (CWIL)

    Wisdom of Rishis Consulting, Mumbai, India (2002 – present)

    Co-founder and Partner

    Air France, Asia Pacific Headquarters, Bangkok, Thailand (2000-2002)

    Regional Marketing and Communication Director, Asia Pacific

    Independent consultant, Reunion Island, Indian Ocean, France (1994-2000)

    Management Consultant for SME/SMI

    Synthelabo-L’oreal Group, Ela Medical, Paris, France (1991-1994)

    Strategic Planning and International Business Development Director

    Synthelabo-L’oreal Group, Ela Medical, Paris, France (1988-1991)

    International Sales and Marketing Manager, Distributors Operations

  • Management development programmes/faculty and staff development programmes

    Management/Executive Development Programmes

    Executive webinar, Facing the current crisis with lucidity and calmness, EMP Programme Alumni 40 participants, 21 April 2020

    Stress vs Response: Insights and practices, Huntsman, 25 participants, Mumbai, India, 4 November 2019

    Dealing with challenging situations: the wisdom of resilience, Swades Foundation, Mumbai, India, 21 participants. August 7-8, 2019

    Leadership insights from Indian and Chinese wisdom, CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) Entrepreneurship Leadership Camp, Mumbai, India, May 28, 2018

    Navigating intelligently your leadership journey, IESE Business School, Spain and China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Mumbai, India, April 5, 2018

    Mindful Leadership, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, August 29, 2018

    Mindful Leadership, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, November 15, 2017

    Mindful Leadership, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, November 10, 2017

    Openness and Adaptability, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, September 6, 2017

    Openness and Adaptability, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, April 19, 2017

    Mindfulness at work, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, September 2, 2018

    Living with objectivity, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, September 2, 2018

    Wisdom of emotions, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, October 2, 2018

    Stress: response vs reaction, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, December 2, 2018

    Journey to Self-Mastery: Insights and Practices, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, April 16, 2017 – May 14, 2017

    Journey to Self-Mastery: Insights and Practices, Lions Club, Magnificence, Mumbai, India, September 4, 2016 and October 16, 2016

    Managing with objectivity: the inner side of leadership, National Police Academy and University College London, Hyderabad, India, September 3,2015

    Being Mindful at work, Guest Lecture, JSW Group,Mumbai, India, September 1, 2017

    Guided Meditations for Executive Management Programme, SPJIMR, August 29, 2017

    SPJIMR Faculty and Staff Development Programmes

    Meditative practices sessions for Faculty and Staff, SPJIMR, April 10-22, 2020

    Self-Awareness and Contemplative Practices, SPJIMR, Staff sessions, August 22-31, 2018

    Dhyanam: Weekly morning guided meditations for Faculty and Staff, SPJIMR, from June 13, 2016, to March 29, 2017

    Mindfulness workshop for Faculty and Staff, SPJIMR, November 26-27, 2016

    Contemplative practices and Eastern wisdom for Faculty and Staff, SPJIMR, April 28, 2016, to June 9, 2016

    Journey to Self-Mastery: insights and practices for Faculty, SPJIMR, December 17, 2015, to January 14, 2016

  • Indian philosophy based retreats, conferences and workshops

    Intensive Retreats (organiser and co-teacher)

    Brhadaranyaka Upanishad and B. Gita Chapter 3, Manjakuddi, South India, December 1-10, 2021

    Atma Bodha and B. Gita Chapter 12, Rishikesh, North India, December 2-11, 2019

    The wise person, Anantara, Bangkok, Thailand, October 3-7, 2019

    Vedanta: Inspirations for daily life, Speyer, Germany, July 20-21, 2019

    The vision of Bhagavad Gita in our daily life, Bad-Meinberg, Germany, July 12-14, 2019

    The wise person, Werbellinsee, Germany, July 1-5, 2019

    Living the teaching of Gita, Berlin, Germany, June 27-30, 2019

    How to bring Isvara in our life, Bonn, Germany, June 21-23, 2019

    Katha Upanishad, Brussels, Belgium, June 14-16, 2019

    Kena Upanishad and B. Gita Chapter 6, Rishikesh, North India, December 1-10, 2018

    The meditative life, Gita Chapter 6, Bangkok, Thailand, October 5-9, 2018

    Mundaka Upanishad, Werbellinsee, Germany, July 20-25, 2018

    Living the teaching of Gita, Berlin, Germany, July 13-15, 2018

    The vision of Gita, Brussels, Belgium, June 22-24, 2018

    Chandogya Upanishad Chapter 6, Rishikesh, North India, December 1-10, 2017

    Prashna Upanishad, Kochi, South India, November 3-7, 2017

    23 selected verses of the B. Gita, Bonn, Germany, August 18-20, 2017

    46 essential verses of Bhagavad Gita, Witzenhausen, Germany, August 8-13, 2017

    Shvetashvatara Upanishad, Rishikesh, North India, December 5-14, 2016

    Isha Upanishad, Gokarna, South India, October 21-26, 2016

    Drk Drishya Viveka, Witzenhausen, Germany, August 20-24, 2016

    Introduction to non-duality, Rabastens, France, July 12-14, 2015

    Selected verses from Vivekacudamani, Saint Ferreol, France, July 21-26, 2014

    Essential verses of Bhagavad Gita, Saint Ferreol, France, July 19-20, 2014

  • Talks

    Main speaker

    The quest for the infinite: Stories from Upanishads (2 parts), Weekend with Wisdom, Advaita Academy, India, July 24-25, 2021

    Vedanta and leadership, Global Festival of Oneness, Advaita Academy, India, May 30, 2021

    In conversation: Understanding the essence of tat tvam asi, Hingori Sutras, India, April 4, 2021

    Conversations on consciousness, Advaita Academy, India, April 3, 2021

    Vedanta wisdom: About being a CEO in turbulent times, YPO Mumbai, India, July 2, 2020

    Spirituality and emotional resilience, Bhatia Business Conference, Mumbai, India, February 9, 2020

    Exploring realities: The vision of Vedanta, Paris, France, June 1, 2013

    Aspects of Indian philosophy, Toulouse, France, May 27-29, 2013

    Objectivity, discernment, and sagacity: The way of Vedanta, Philosophie et Management, Brussels, May 23, 2013

    The vision of Upanishads, Auroville, September 24, 2013

    Exploring realities: the vision of Vedanta, June 1, 2013, Paris, France.

    Modern life and Indian spirituality, Series of conferences, St Pierre, Le Port, St Denis, La Saline les Bains, Reunion Island, France, August 23-28, 2011

    Living Hinduism: Shiva as a teacher, National Museum, Bangkok, Thailand, November 19, 2009

    Co-speaker

    Oneness and meditative practices, Ayana Resort, Bali, Indonesia, November 26-27, 2016

    Discovering emotional freedom: Vedanta perspective, Indian Merchant Chamber, Mumbai, India, July 5, 2016

    Harmony in relationships, 16 March 2015, Alibag, India

    Dynamics of action and results: Insights from the Gita, Harvard Alumni Club, Mumbai, India, February 16, 2015

  • Workshops (co-speaker)

    Living the vision of oneness, Tuscany, Italy, July 23-28, 2019

    Meaning and freedom, Château de Millemont, France, June 7-10, 2019

    Mahabharata and Yoga Sutras, Bonn, Germany, June 29 – July 1, 2018

    The quest for freedom and meaning, Loire Valley, France, June 8-10, 2018

    Living intelligently, Manjakuddi, South India, March 21-25, 2018

    The teaching of Lord Shiva-Dakshinamurti, Hilton Shillim, India, April 21-23, 2017

    Keys to success: Dealing with failures, YPO Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, November 12, 2016

    Living the vision of oneness, Bonn, Germany, August 19-20, 2016

    Tat tvam asi, the fundamental equation, Hilton Shillim, North India, April 8-10, 2016

    Dealing with ups and downs of life, Alibag, India, March 11-13, 2016

    The Vedantic approach to human growth, Dubai, November 7-8, 2015

    Redefining success, Hilton Shillim, India, March 27-29, 2015

    Living the teaching of Gita, Anaikatti, India, January 23-27, 2015

    Growing to be more objective and compassionate, Hilton Shillim Village, India, August 30-31, 2014

    Becoming a more objective and compassionate person, South Mumbai, India, January 11-12, 2014

    Living the vision of oneness, Bangkok, Thailand, November 30 – December 1, 2013

  • Weekly online classes (ongoing since 2019)

    Guided Vedanta meditations sessions

    Vedic chanting classes

    Mahabharata, the greatest story ever told

  • Board memberships

    Economy and Religion Programme, Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies, Budapest, since March 19, 2021

    Director: Laszlo Zsolnai, Business Ethics Center, Corvinus University of Budapest

  • Reviewer experience

    Human Values and Indian Ethos in Management: The Legacy of S. K. Chakraborty., Springer Nature, June 18, 2020 (Book)

    Spiritual and Ethical Decision making with Yogic Yamas and Niyamas, Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion, December 18, 2020 (Research article)

  • Professional service

    Under the Centre for Wisdom in Leadership, CWIL, SPJIMR

    Flourishing in a New Era: Conversations around Ethics, Sustainability, and Spirituality

    Organiser and Co-facilitator (with Jagdish Ratnani) of a series of four webinars:

    Sustainable Futures: Well-Being in the Anthropocene with Dr. Paul Shrivastava – January 15, 2021

    Exploring Ideas and Models on Responsible Business with Mr. László Zsolnai – January 22, 2021

    Progressive Business Models and Resilience with Eleanor O’Higgins – January 29, 2021

    Spiritual-Based Leadership in Business with Peter Pruzan – February 5, 2021

    Past Imperfect: Indian Histories of Business, Politics, and Leadership

    Co-Organiser of a series of four webinars facilitated by Dinyar Patel, featuring conversations with:

    Mircea Raianu, author of Tata: The Global Corporation That Built Indian Capitalism (Harvard University Press, 2021) – September 3, 2021

    Vinay Sitapati, author of Half-Lion: How P.V. Narasimha Rao Transformed India – September 17, 2021

    Danish Khan and Ruhi Khan, authors of Escaped: True Stories of Indian Fugitives in London – October 8, 2021

    Ross Bassett, author of The Technological Indian (Harvard University Press, 2016) – October 22, 2021

AppLy Now