•  surya.tahora@spjimr.org

Surya Tahora (Zoher Mandjee 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.

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EDUCATION

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

Equivalent to D. of Indian Philosophy, 2013

Paris XI University, School of Pharmaceutical & 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. https://www.iveycases.com/ProductView.aspx?id=78136

    Jayakumar, T., Tahora, S. (2017) Building a Backdoor to the iPhone: An ethical dilemma. Ivey Publishing. https://www.iveypublishing.ca/s/product/danone-leading-change-by-rejigging-purpose/01t5c00000D4vs2AAB

    Link to Google Scholar

  • BOOKS/BOOK CHAPTERS

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

  • COURSES

    Some titles among the academic courses conducted:

    Leading with Wisdom

    Insights & 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 & Research, Mumbai (Mar 2014 – now)

    Professor, Management & Society

    Executive Director Centre for Wisdom in Leadership (CWIL)

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

    Co-founder & 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 & 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 & 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 & Adaptability, TOTAL Oil Corporation, Mumbai, India, September 6, 2017

    Openness & 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 & Practices, Lion’s Club, Mumbai, India, April 16, 2017 – May 14, 2017

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

    Managing with objectivity: the inner side of leadership, National Police Academy & 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 & Staff Development Programmes

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • INDIAN PHILOSOPHY BASED RETREATS, CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS

    Intensive Retreats (organiser and co-teacher)

    Brhadaranyaka Upanishad & B.Gita chapter 3, Manjakuddi, South India, 1-10 December 2021

    Atma Bodha & B.Gita chapter 12, Rishikesh, North India, 2-11 December 2019

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

    Vedanta: Inspirations for Daily Life, Speyer, Germany, 20-21 July 2019

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

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

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

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

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

    Kena Upanishad & B.Gita chapter 6, Rishikesh, North India, 1-10 December 2018

    The Meditative life, Gita chap 6, Bangkok, Thailand, 5-9 Oct 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

    46 Essential verses of Bhagavad Gita, Witzenhausen, Germany, 8-13 Aug 2017

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

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

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

    Introduction to Non-Duality, 12-14 July 2015, Rabastens, France

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

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

  • TALKS

    Main speaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Objectivity, Discernment & Sagacity, the way of Vedanta, 23 May 2013, Philosophie et Management, Brussels

    Individual Talk: The vision of Upanishads, September 24, 2013, Auroville

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

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

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

    Co-speaker

    Oneness & Meditative Practices, 26-27 November 2016, Ayana Resort, Bali, Indonesia

    Discovering Emotional Freedom: Vedanta Perspective, 5 July 2016, Indian Merchant Chamber, Mumbai, India

    Harmony in relationships, 16 March 2015, Alibag, India

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

  • WORKSHOPS (co-speaker)

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

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

    Mahabharata & Yoga Sutras, Bonn, Germany, 29 June-1 July 2018

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

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

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

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

    Living the Vision of Oneness, Bonn, Germany, 19-20 August 2016

    Tat Tvam Asi, the fundamental equation, Hilton Shillim, North India, 8-10 April 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Living the vision of oneness, Bangkok, Thand, 30 November-1 December 2013

  • WEEKLY ONLINE CLASSES (ongoing since 2019)

    Guided Vedanta meditations sessions

    Vedic chanting classes

    Mahabharata, the greatest story ever told

  • PRESS & MEDIA

    Tahora, S., Shah,S. (2017). Going Beyond Leadership Development. Business Today. http://www.businesstoday.in/opinion/columns/going-beyond-leadership-development/story/255287.html

    Tahora, S. (2017).5 practical ways to apply the wisdom of Vedanta at workplace. Complete Wellbeing Magazine. https://completewellbeing.com/article/5-practical-ways-apply-wisdom-vedanta-workplace-situations/

    Tahora,S. (2016).Vedanta at Work. Complete Wellbeing Magazine.

  • BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

    Economy & 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, 18 June 2020 (Book)

    Spiritual and Ethical Decision making with Yogic Yamas and Niyamas, Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, 18 December 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, 15th Jan 2021

    ‘Exploring Ideas and Models on Responsible Business’ with Mr. László Zsolnai, 22nd Jan 2021

    ‘Progressive Business Models and Resilience’ with Eleanor O’Higgins, 29th Jan 2021

    ‘Spiritual based leadership in business’ with Peter Pruzan, 5th Feb 2021

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

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

    -Mircea Raianu author of “Tata: The Global Corporation That Built Indian Capitalism” (Harvard University Press, 2021), 3rd Sept 2021

    -Vinay Sitapati, author of “Half-Lion: How P.V. Narasimha Rao Transformed India”, 17th Sept 2021

    -Danish Khan and Ruhi Khan, authors of “Escaped: True Stories of Indian Fugitives in London”, 8th Oct 2021

    -Ross Bassett, author of “The Technological Indian” (Harvard University Press, 2016), 22nd Oct 2021

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