Eastern Wisdom Traditions
Leadership Development
- surya.tahora@spjimr.org
Surya Tahora
Professor, General ManagementExecutive 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.
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
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Research interests
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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.
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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/
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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)
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Periodicals
Tahora, S. (2024). 6P unified framework: Understanding wisdom in the era of Artificial Intelligence. ET Government.
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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
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Teaching interest
Eastern Philosophy
Contemplative Practices
Cognitive Neurosciences
Leadership Development
Human development
Ethics
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Weekly online classes (ongoing since 2019)
Guided Vedanta meditations sessions
Vedic chanting classes
Mahabharata, the greatest story ever told
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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
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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)
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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