Leading the change

There is an ancient Indic saying: 'Parivartanam eva sthiram asti,' the only thing that does not change is change itself. This truth underlines inevitability and constancy of change, but depth and continuity of change escape perception.

Indic wisdom has always approached change with sapience and foresight. Consider the Sanskrit term 'jagat' that means the phenomenal world is derived from the root 'jayate gacchati iti jagat', meaning 'that which constantly moves'. One moment it is born, and in the next it is gone. The very idea of the word jagat, therefore, embodies dynamism and flux.

In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn explains: 'Dehino asmin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara, tatha dehantara-praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati.' This verse teaches us to see change, whether physical, emotional or situational, as natural and inevitable.


Buddha also highlights varying nature of all formations through the doctrine of anicca, impermanence. Surdas wrote, 'Ka mangu kachu thira na rahai' - what should I ask for from the Lord, when nothing is permanent?

These timeless insights should be the foundation for modern change management. Broadly, there are 3 possible responses to change. First, be oblivious to change and eventually become a victim. Second, manage and endure change - recognising and responding to it helps one adapt, but only reactively. Finally, leading the change is the most enlightened approach, where a leader proactively shapes and directs change.