Programme Overview

By ‘strategic insight’, this program refers to the capacity of a leader to grasp the possibilities of strategic action at a moment in time and with respect to a specific ‘field of (often adversarial) power’, choosing between a repertoire of possibilities. It is like ‘punching not above the weight’, neither ‘punching below the weight’, thus requiring a canny judgement. Popular frameworks of strategy and mainstream courses provide generic solutions that inadequately addresses the inherent risks and uncertainties that rule the mind of the leader charged with the toughest calls. This program is based on the premise that a sound understanding of the principles of Arthasastra, the knowledge tradition that was at the heart of very-long lasting organizations and empires in Bharat, can illuminate the strategist in action in a complex contemporary world.

Programme Objective

‘Leading with Strategic Insights: The India Way’ seeks to help participants demystify the larger civilizational debates and geopolitical turmoil ongoing around us from the perspective of an organizational leader in contemporary India. It focuses on ‘six’ foundational question sets, nudging participants to think deeper and broader, preparing them to ‘up the strategy game’, as they say. The program would adopt a comparative method to demonstrate the difference between Western frameworks of strategic thinking and Arthasastra principles from the Indic tapestry of knowledge. It would help participants make sense of complex concepts of Arthasastra in simple, yet practically applicable ways, illuminating common dilemmas and paradoxes that leaders of today face.

Key Topics
  • What should be the goal of strategy – enhancing profitability or securing organizational survival, growth, and sustenance? Are there differences between these objectives? What should be the horizon of strategic plans?
  • Do differential civilizational identities matter for strategies and leadership in business and how? Should we copy/imitate the successful Western technologies and their models of strategizing/leading/organizing?
  • How should I manage my organization in a rapidly changing Bharat? How do I forge alliances in a multipolar chaotic world?
  • Does the geopolitical ‘Great Game’ effect my business? And how should I respond to it?
  • How do I understand and deal with my adversaries? Should my response be covert or overt, and do I use hard or soft power? Do Indic Arthasastra insights provide me frameworks that are different from Western approaches? Are Indic principles of a bygone age practically useful in the contemporary world?
  • How do I understand myself as a leader? Can Arthasastra help me in being an ethical leader and grooming better successors?
Programme Directors
Professor Biswatosh Saha

Professor Biswatosh Saha

Strategic Management

Who May Attend
  • Executives, founders, and leaders who are curious about Arthasastra and would like an informed exposure to the complex (often esoteric) literature with an application focus.
  • Ambitious leaders who, from their experience, have doubts on the effectiveness of unqualified emulation of Western models of organizing in a rising Bharat and are looking for practical alternatives.
Programme Duration and Delivery
  • From the morning of October 09, 2025 till the afternoon of October 12, 2025
  • Face to face - classroom based
Pedagogy

Lectures, case discussions, and exercises, tied together by reflection, experiential learning, and references to the Indian texts of Arthasastra & Dharmasastra.

How to Apply
  • You can apply/nominate your personnel by clicking on the “Apply Now” link corresponding to the particular MDP, as appearing on our online calendar available at: https://iimcal.ac.in/mdp/mdp-calendar
  • Once the candidature(s) is (are) approved, the sponsoring authority or participant (in case of self-nomination) will be intimated over email along with a Proforma Invoice seeking programme fees in advance.
  • Programme fees can be remitted online through Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT/RTGS).
  • Upon remitting the fees online, kindly intimate CMDP office with the UTRNo. /relevant transaction details through email, so that we can connect your remittance to your nomination(s). Please note that confirmation of participation is subject to receipt of Programme fees by CMDP Office before commencement of the MDP.

For further assistance, please connect with:

Name: Ms. Payel Majumder
Number: +91 33 7121 6012
Email ID: program_mdp[at]iimcal[dot]ac[dot]in

Programme Brochure
MDP Brochure