Among all the gatherings in the world, the Kumbh Mela stands out. This massive event draws millions, showcasing a blend of spirituality and community. The Adani Group continues to be involved, and each time I think about it, I appreciate the wisdom of our ancestors. As someone who has built infrastructure across India, I’m constantly amazed by this “spiritual infrastructure” that has supported our civilization for centuries.
The Kumbh Mela is a stunning case study in organized gatherings. It isn’t just about logistics, as Harvard Business School noted; it’s a profound example of how a temporary city of over 200 million emerges without any of the usual business tools like meetings or presentations. Instead, it relies on Indian jugaad, or innovation, honed through years of tradition.
What makes Kumbh Mela exceptional? Here are three key principles that drive its success:
1. Scale with Soul
At Kumbh, size means more than just numbers. With 200 million people united in their devotion, the event generates a powerful sense of community. This is what I call “spiritual economies of scale.” The more people that join, the more meaningful the gathering becomes. It illustrates how true scale is about shared moments of unity rather than just statistics.
2. Sustainability in Action
Long before sustainability became a popular term, Kumbh Mela embodied eco-friendly practices. Its approach to resource management shows that caring for our environment is part of our heritage. After the event, the sacred rivers return to their natural state, cleaner than before, demonstrating that responsible engagement can harmoniously coexist with large gatherings.
3. Leadership Through Service
What’s remarkable about this gathering is the lack of a central authority. Leadership is demonstrated through collaboration among various groups and volunteers. This model teaches that effective leaders create conditions for others to thrive rather than merely giving orders. True leadership is about service and unity, a lesson that businesses today could greatly benefit from.
The Kumbh also holds valuable lessons for global businesses. Here are three insights:
- Inclusive Growth: The Mela welcomes everyone, from spiritual leaders to tourists, embodying the idea of “Growth with Goodness.” Everyone is part of the experience.
- Spiritual Technology: Beyond digital advances, Kumbh demonstrates managing human experiences on a grand scale, an essential aspect in today’s mental health-focused world.
- Cultural Confidence: In a world that often pushes for sameness, Kumbh showcases the beauty of cultural diversity and authenticity, proving that traditions can adapt while still thriving.
As India looks forward to becoming a leading global player, Kumbh’s wisdom remains relevant. The lessons of sustainable practices, teamwork, and human-centered leadership offer guidance to modern challenges.
The Kumbh Mela embodies a vision of growth that doesn’t just focus on material wealth but also on the richness of community and spirituality. It reminds us that true success lies in how we nurture our environments and communities. In the end, the Kumbh reflects India’s enduring soft power—not through force, but through a profound connection to humanity.
(Gautam Adani is Chairman, Adani Group)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.
(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)
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