On March 18, Piramal Realty, the real estate arm of Piramal Group, inaugurated the Radha Govindadeva Mandir of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Thane, Maharashtra. Nestled within the Piramal Vaikunth residential complex, the sprawling temple spans approximately 4,000 sq. ft., marking the first ISKCON temple within a gated community in Maharashtra. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony was attended by esteemed figures including Radhanath Swami and Gauranga Das, both Governing Body Commissioners of ISKCON, along with Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Dr Swati Piramal, Vice Chairperson of Piramal Group, and members of the Piramal family. On the occasion, Ajay Piramal engaged in a conversation with Organiser Special Correspondent Nishant Kumar Azad, discussing various topics ranging from his family’s connection with ISKCON to the inspiration behind establishing this temple, as well as his group’s contribution towards propelling Bharat into becoming the third-largest economy. Excerpts:
You have inaugurated the ISKCON Radha Govindadeva Mandir at Piramal Vaikunth, Thane. This is the first of its kind. What is the idea behind this?
The inauguration of the Sri Sri Radha Govindadeva Mandir of ISKCON at Piramal Vaikunth, highlights our commitment to blend spirituality with modern living, embodying the essence of Sewa Bhav — the spirit of service. The temple complex draws inspiration from the majestic temples of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This initiative creates a sanctuary for inner peace, community bonding, and holistic well-being. It embodies our commitment to ‘Doing Well and Doing Good’, emphasising spaces that nourish the soul, foster community, and benefit society.
What is the importance of ISKCON and spirituality in your life?
Since 1970s, my family has been devotedly associated with ISKCON. This temple is dedicated to the memory of my mother Smt. Lalita Piramal, who became a disciple of H.H. Radhanath Swami. ISKCON’s teachings and practices have been a guiding force for our family, instilling values of compassion, service, and interconnectedness. For me, spirituality is about finding meaning and purpose in life, fostering inner peace, and serving others. This partnership reflects our dedication to community.
I learned that your cabin has a stylised collection of sculpted stones depicting the moment in the Bhagavad Gita when Krishna displays his vishwaroop, or universal form, to Arjun. Is there any special reason behind this, or is it just for the office’s beauty?
The Bhagavad Gita holds a profound place in my life as a guiding principle that transcends the boundaries of work and personal life. Just as the Gita was narrated on the battlefield, its teachings resonate in every aspect of existence. The collection of sculptures serves as a constant reminder of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Gita, reinforcing the interconnectedness of spirituality and daily life. Integrating spirituality with business insights aligns head, heart, and hand, fostering a harmonious balance between inner peace and professional success. Placing the sculpture within my line of sight symbolises the importance of ‘seeing Krishna’ — being connected to a higher purpose amidst the hustle of business. It reminds us to focus on the process, not just the outcome, fostering value creation and win-win solutions.
At the Piramal Foundation, you have this concept of bold philanthropy. Could you explain the idea?
We believe in making strategic investments in initiatives that bring about societal change. We focus on addressing root causes, fostering systemic change, and empowering communities for long-term sustainability across healthcare, education, and rural development sectors. We leverage our resources and expertise through strategic partnerships and collaborations to drive meaningful impact and effectively reach underserved populations. At Piramal Foundation, we take calculated risks, challenging conventional norms, and pushing boundaries to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Established in 2006, our dedicated team along with our collaborators have left an indelible mark, positively touching the lives of over 113 million Indians.
Your group recently opened the Piramal School of Leadership. What is the purpose of such schools?
The Piramal School of Leadership (PSL) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, stands as a beacon of transformative leadership rooted in Sewa Bhav. Its primary purpose is to train mid-management executives from key state and central departments, aligning closely with government initiatives. With a vision centred on aiding the government and people in optimising their potential, the school aims to cultivate leaders deeply committed to the spirit of service.
‘By aligning our business strategies with national development objectives, fostering innovation, embracing sustainable practices, and prioritising social responsibility, we are committed to playing a significant role in propelling Bharat towards its economic aspirations’
Annually training approximately 50,000 leaders, potentially increasing to 150,000, the institute targets crucial development sectors such as education, health, climate sustainability, justice, and inclusion. By empowering leaders to embody Sewa Bhav and drive positive change, PSL will foster an equitable, progressive, and resilient society, shaping a stronger, more prosperous India.
As Bharat is working to achieve the status of the third-largest economy, how do you see the role of your industry in general and your group in achieving this goal in particular?
The role of our industry and group is pivotal in shaping the trajectory of Bharat becoming the third-largest economy. Our group’s approach is defined by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, which align seamlessly with the national objectives. We continuously invest in research and development, technology adoption, and talent development. Moreover, our commitment to corporate social responsibility highlights our dedication to the upliftment of communities and addressing critical societal needs.
By aligning our business strategies with national development objectives, fostering innovation, embracing sustainable practices, and prioritising social responsibility, we are committed to playing a significant role in propelling Bharat towards its economic aspirations. Our collaborative partnerships with governments, international and national organisations, academia, and other stakeholders further amplify our efforts in nation building. We aim to be transformative agents of change, propelling Bharat towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
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