The Dharma Code: Ancient Ethics, Modern Boardrooms

by Anupam Pattanayak

The Dharma Ancient Ethics, Modern Boardrooms
Where the wisdom of the Mahabharata meets the dilemmas of the boardroom.

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where success is often measured by profit margins and power, The Dharma Code offers a radically different one rooted in ancient Indian wisdom and grounded in real-world leadership challenges.

Blending the timeless principles of the Mahabharata with modern corporate decision-making, this groundbreaking book reveals how every boardroom is, in essence, a modern-day Kurukshetra—demanding clarity, courage, and ethical judgment.

Inside, you'll discover powerful tools like the Dharma Compass and the Ethical Decision Matrix, designed to guide leaders through complex choices. Story-driven chapters explore corporate case studies in light of epic characters—from Krishna’s strategic diplomacy to Yudhishthira’s unshakable integrity.

Whether you're grappling with whistleblower dilemmas, stakeholder conflicts, or succession issues, this book provides action-oriented frameworks, reflection prompts, visual tools, and a glossary to make Indian ethics accessible—even to non-Indian readers.

A must-read for CEOs, board members, CSR leaders, B-school students, and anyone seeking to align profit with purpose, The Dharma Code redefines leadership—not as domination, but as duty.

Are you ready to lead with Dharma?

Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2025

Reviews

[Shriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an era where quick wins often overshadow long-term integrity, The Dharma Code provides a bold alternative. Grounded in the Mahabharata’s enduring wisdom, it positions the corporate boardroom as a battlefield of values. What sets this book apart are its practical frameworks the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix that transform philosophy into actionable leadership tools. Story-driven chapters illustrate how ancient choices mirror modern challenges like whistleblowing and succession disputes. With its accessible writing and visual aids, it makes complex ethics simple and applicable. This book is more than theory it’s a playbook for courageous leaders committed to value-driven success.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blending epic narratives with corporate challenges, The Dharma Code demonstrates that the Mahabharata isn’t just history it’s a mirror for today’s leaders. Every boardroom, the book argues, is a modern Kurukshetra where values face off against ambition. The Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix are practical, visual tools that translate age-old principles into real-time decision frameworks. Case studies bring Krishna’s strategy and Yudhishthira’s integrity into today’s leadership dilemmas, from stakeholder conflicts to ethical lapses. Accessible for global audiences, this book offers not only wisdom but also clear guidance. It’s a rare leadership manual that balances profitability with purpose.

[Preeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code is a rare leadership book that blends timeless wisdom with practical relevance. By drawing on the Mahabharata, it reminds us that corporate life is more than profit and competition it’s a field of moral choices. The metaphor of the boardroom as a modern Kurukshetra is powerful and relatable. Tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix turn abstract principles into actionable guidance. With engaging stories and real corporate dilemmas, the book offers leaders clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose in decision-making. Inspiring, practical, and deeply thought-provoking.

[Shinzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code invites leaders to move beyond profits and embrace purpose. By drawing from the Mahabharata, it reimagines leadership as a balance of strategy, integrity, and courage. Tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix provide a framework for navigating today’s toughest boardroom choices. Through vivid case studies, readers see how Krishna’s diplomacy and Yudhishthira’s principles resonate with dilemmas around whistleblowing, succession, and stakeholders. Accessible to non-Indian audiences, the book demystifies ancient ethics and makes them practical. For leaders hungry for clarity in complex times, it’s a powerful guide to aligning decisions with both heart and head.

[Shikha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code is a rare leadership book that bridges cultures while addressing universal challenges. Rooted in the Mahabharata’s epic wisdom, it speaks equally to Indian readers and a global corporate audience. By reframing the boardroom as a Kurukshetra, it captures the essence of leadership dilemmas: conflicts of loyalty, integrity, and strategy. Practical tools like the Dharma Compass help leaders navigate ambiguity with confidence. Through corporate case studies paired with epic characters, the book makes timeless ethics tangible. Accessible, engaging, and deeply relevant, this is not just for executives it’s for anyone seeking to align personal values with professional decisions.

[Soumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code reframes leadership as a moral journey rather than a race for profits. Drawing from the Mahabharata, it shows how timeless dilemmas echo in today’s boardrooms. Tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix give leaders clarity in gray areas. With compelling stories and case studies, the book makes ethics not abstract, but actionable. From succession planning to whistleblower crises, it equips executives to lead with courage and integrity. Thoughtful yet practical, this is an essential guide for anyone who believes that business success should be measured not only in margins but in moral choices.

[Raj Shekhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code offers a compelling guide for leaders navigating ethical complexity in today’s fast-paced world. Drawing from the Mahabharata, it reframes leadership as a moral journey, not just a strategic one. With tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix, it makes ancient wisdom surprisingly relevant and usable. Real-world case studies like whistleblowing and leadership transitions bring the concepts to life. Clear, story-driven, and practical, this book empowers leaders to act with integrity while driving meaningful, values-based success.

[Shubhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code challenges the modern obsession with quick success by grounding leadership in timeless ethical principles. Inspired by the Mahabharata, it views the corporate world as a space where values are constantly tested. What sets it apart are tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix making deep philosophy practical. Through powerful stories, it connects ancient choices to modern leadership challenges. Clear, engaging, and insightful, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to lead with purpose and integrity.

[Radhika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code offers a powerful alternative. Rooted in the Mahabharata’s wisdom, it presents the corporate boardroom as a modern battlefield of ethics. Practical tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix turn timeless philosophy into clear leadership strategies. Story-driven chapters draw striking parallels between ancient decisions and today’s dilemmas like whistleblowing or succession. With accessible writing and visuals, this book is a practical guide for leaders committed to value-driven success.

[Shubhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up The Dharma Code, I didn’t expect it to hit so close to home. As someone who often struggles with tough decisions at work balancing ambition, ethics, and relationships the idea of the boardroom as a modern Kurukshetra felt strikingly real. The Dharma Compass gave me a structured way to think through choices that usually feel messy and overwhelming. Reading about Krishna’s diplomacy and Yudhishthira’s integrity alongside corporate case studies made me reflect not only on how I lead, but also on who I am becoming in the process. It felt less like a book and more like a mirror.

[Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dharma Code made me look at my workplace differently. The way Section 1 compares the boardroom to Kurukshetra felt very real—every meeting does feel like a small battlefield of choices and pressure. The explanations of the Bhagavad Gita and the central Mahabharata struggles were written so simply that even I could relate to them. My favourite part was Section 2, especially Arjun’s confusion and Krishna’s guidance, because it reminded me of my own dilemmas. The Dice Game and Yudhishthira’s lessons on overconfidence were gentle reminders for everyday decisions

[Aru · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dharma Code made ethics feel like something I could actually practice. Section 1 lays the foundation beautifully, understanding the Gita as a guide during crisis was very comforting. Section 2’s leadership archetypes were the highlight for me. Arjun’s confusion, Krishna’s strategy, Bhishma’s duty, and Karna’s loyalty all showed different sides of responsibility. Section 3 uses the Dice Game and Yudhishthira’s risk-taking to explain how small decisions can change everything. The writing is clear and easy.

[Migo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dharma Code is simple but powerful. Section 1 explains the Mahabharata’s key figures in a very easy way, and the Bhagavad Gita chapter helped me understand duty better. Section 2 shows different leadership styles—Arjun’s confusion, Krishna’s guidance, Bhishma’s sacrifice, and Karna’s loyalty. Each one made me think of different people in my own workplace. Section 3’s Dice Game and Yudhishthira’s overconfidence felt like life lessons rather than mythology. It’s a book that teaches without preaching.

[Panwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a friendly guide to ethical leadership. Section 1 sets the base so well, seeing corporate spaces as Kurukshetra was an eye-opener. The introduction to modern governance through ancient Indian philosophy was surprisingly simple to follow. Section 2, especially Krishna’s strategic wisdom and Bhishma’s sense of duty, taught me that leadership is more about values than authority. The Dice Game chapter reminded me how easily we fall into traps of impulse. I liked how the book kept things practical and calm.

[Prashant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful blend of ancient wisdom and modern leadership. This book transforms timeless ethical principles into practical tools like the Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix, helping leaders navigate today’s toughest challenges with integrity. Through compelling stories and clear guidance, it makes ethics accessible and actionable. The Dharma Code is essential reading for anyone committed to leading with purpose and values in a fast-paced world

[Shreya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code surprised me with how relevant ancient wisdom can be to today’s leadership struggles. It doesn’t preach it guides. The book helped me see ethical dilemmas not as obstacles, but as opportunities to lead with integrity. The Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix are simple yet powerful tools I can actually apply. It’s rare to find a book that blends timeless philosophy with real world clarity.This isn’t just about better decisions it’s about becoming a better leader.

[Muskan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Dharma Code felt like holding up a mirror to the tough decisions we face in leadership and life. Drawing on the Mahabharata’s deep ethical insights, it reframed success as something rooted in values, not just outcomes. The Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix made these lessons tangible and usable. I found myself reflecting on my own choices past and future. It’s not just a book; it’s a guide for leading with conscience in a results-driven world.

[Diya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect The Dharma Code to hit me this hard. I’ve always wrestled with choices at work when to speak up, when to compromise, when to hold my ground. Reading it felt like someone finally gave me language for that struggle. The idea of the boardroom as a Kurukshetra made me see my own battles differently. The Dharma Compass wasn’t just a tool it felt like a reminder that integrity and ambition don’t have to be enemies.

[Sahaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked the most about The Dharma Code is how it breaks complex ideas into simple stories. Section 1 uses the Mahabharata to explain governance without making it heavy. Section 2 brought the characters alive, Arjun confused, Krishna strategic, Bhishma dutiful, Karna conflicted. Each one felt like someone we know. Section 3’s Dice Game and Yudhishthira’s gamble were great reminders about risk and overconfidence. It’s a book that quietly teaches you to lead with clarity.

[Bonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very relatable even though it talks about ancient texts. Section 1 helps you see how the boardroom becomes a battlefield of choices. The Bhagavad Gita chapter explains duty in a very calm, simple way. In Section 2, Arjun’s and Karna’s dilemmas made me reflect on my own struggles between right and comfortable. Krishna and Bhishma’s chapters reminded me that guidance and discipline matter. Section 3’s Dice Game is a brilliant example of bad decisions. A meaningful read.

[Debashish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes mythology and makes it practical. Section 1 talks about corporate governance with examples from the Mahabharata, which made the concepts easy to understand. Section 2’s chapters on Arjun, Krishna, Bhishma, and Karna show four different kinds of leaders we meet in real life. Their dilemmas made me reflect on my own choices. The Dice Game and Yudhishthira’s gamble in Section 3 opened my eyes to how overconfidence affects judgment. A simple and thoughtful read.

[Nayka · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this book is how naturally it connects ethics with daily work. Section 1’s idea of the boardroom as Kurukshetra felt surprisingly true. The Bhagavad Gita chapter explained duty in such a simple way. Section 2 showed the human side of leadership—Arjun unsure, Krishna wise, Bhishma loyal, and Karna torn between identity and integrity. Section 3’s Dice Game was my favourite because it explained risk so clearly. This book is perfect for beginners in leadership.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code felt refreshingly different from typical leadership books. Its blend of Mahabharata wisdom and real corporate dilemmas made me reflect on my own choices at work. The boardroom-as-Kurukshetra idea really resonated. The Dharma Compass and Ethical Decision Matrix were surprisingly practical and helped me think more clearly about tough decisions. Overall, it left me feeling inspired, grounded, and more purposeful in how I lead.

[Ananay Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Dharma Code made leadership feel meaningful again. I loved how it connects ancient stories from the Mahabharata with the messy realities of modern corporate life. The metaphors are relatable, and the tools especially the Dharma Compass gave me a new way to navigate ethical conflicts. The real-life examples made the ideas stick. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring read that genuinely shifted how I view responsibility and decision-making.

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect The Dharma Code to impact me as much as it did. It takes timeless wisdom and makes it incredibly relevant to today’s boardrooms. The concept of work as a moral battlefield helped me rethink my role as a leader. The practical frameworks turned big ideas into something usable. The stories felt authentic and engaging. I finished the book with more clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose.

[Sukanya Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code is a powerful and insightful guide that reframes leadership through the lens of ancient wisdom. Blending the Mahabharata’s moral depth with modern tools like the Dharma Compass, it offers practical solutions for ethical decision-making. Real-world examples make the lessons relatable and actionable.

[Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t just teach me about leadership it held a mirror to my own struggles. I saw my hesitation in Yudhishthira’s doubts, my compromises in Arjuna’s conflicts. The Dharma Compass helped me realize I don’t have to choose between success and integrity. That realization was deeply personal and empowering.

[Priyanshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading The Dharma Code reminded me that ethics isn’t something you leave behind in philosophy classes it’s alive in every meeting, every email, every decision. The way it connected the Mahabharata to boardroom dilemmas made me rethink my own choices at work. It helped me pause, reflect, and lead with more clarity.

[Vikram · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dharma Code genuinely surprised me. I expected a dense ethics book, but it felt like a mentor guiding me through tough leadership moments. The blend of Mahabharata wisdom with real boardroom dilemmas felt fresh and practical. The Dharma Compass alone reshaped how I approach decisions. A meaningful, grounded read for anyone wanting to lead with clarity and conscience.

[Shradha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has struggled with ethical grey zones at work, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. The corporate case studies mirrored situations I’ve actually faced, and the way they’re connected to characters like Krishna and Yudhishthira makes the insights unforgettable. It’s rare to find a leadership book this thoughtful yet actionable. Highly recommended.