Dharma is the nature of a human being. Dharma is Sanatan

Subhash Chandra elaborates on his definition of Dharma, shares his perspective on Dharmic Capitalism and the role of private enterprises in the society during the Panel discussion on ‘Dharmic Capitalism’ at Arth Festival

Last Updated: Monday, February 11th, 2019 - 17:21

Subhash Chandra today inaugurated and addressed the national leg of the Arth Festival – India’s first multiregional cultural festival being held in Delhi. Subhash Ji was also a part of the panel discussion on the topic ‘Dharmic Capitalism’ where he expressed his thoughts on what Dharma means to him, what is Dharmic Capitalism and the need of it, as well as the responsibilities that private companies have towards the society. The discussion on Dharmic Capitalism also encompassed the role of the state and that of private entities.

When asked about how important it is for Indian businesses, within the context of Dharmic Capitalism,  to learn the art of sacrifice? Subhash Ji first explained his understanding of Dharma. He said, “What is Dharma? Dharma is not Hindu, Christian or Muslim etc. Dharma is the nature of a human being. Dharma is Sanatan.”

He added, “Dharma is my nature. What is your nature is in itself your Dharma. Now, you can apply this in capitalism i.e your business or in your relationships or day to day life. So if you are a Dharmic person you are a Dharmic person in any sphere and in any walk of life.”

Citing the example of how communism as an idea was great but eventually it is slowly disappearing form the face of the earth, he also pointed out that today there is great wealth distribution imbalance. “8 people in the world have more wealth than 3.6 billion other people. One may say that these 8 people have earned that money, but what wrong have the rest 3.6 billion done? They are starving.  If you look at the true meaning of Dharma, it is not Adharmic but is unnatural,” he further elaborated.

As the discussion moved on to the subject of the role of the state, the question of if legislation can help bridge wealth inequality in the society, came up. To which Subhash Ji said, “Legislation becomes necessary when businesses behave Adharmic.” Referring to the age-old tradition of Dasaund i.e. giving  1/10th of one’s profit for societal good, Subhash Ji said that India has a long standing tradition of charity. “In my family we have been following this for over four generations. 1/10th of the profit will always be put aside for charitable causes. So it is not a new concept but over a period of time business houses have stopped doing charity then probably government thought of bringing in a legislation,” he added.

Speaking from a more personal view he further added, “It is perhaps and idealistic thought but one must ask oneself ‘how do I become Dharmic?’, the joy in this – of telling the truth in difficult situations or the pleasure of giving something away –  is unknown to most people. When one doesn’t know the pleasure of giving, one will not practice it.”

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During the conclusion of the discussion Subhash Ji spoke about introspection at an individual, business and societal level. He commented, “I need to look at myself more and correct myself more. And the society also needs to change. As the famous Doha of Sant Kabir goes ‘बुरा जोदेखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय, जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।‘”

Subhash Ji shared the dais with Gaur Gopal Das, Lord Meghnad Desai, and Shri Rajeev Srivastava. The Arth festival being held in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai is a culture quest that aims keep alive the meaning of Indian culture and focuses on literature, culture, society, music, traditions, history, and art.

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