On April 15, 2015, Over 100 industrialists, investors and corporate leaders converged at the outlandishly opulent Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. The conference was organized by Artha Forum Dubai Chapter, a community dedicated to providing healthy work-life balance and holistic world view to entrepreneurs, business and thought leaders.
Held in the luxurious Al Falak Ball Room, the event entitled “Simple Living High Thinking” was graced by His Excellency T. P. Seetharam – Indian Ambassador to UAE. He spoke that how this building, seminar room and the lifestyle is antithesis to the concept of simple living and he was looking forward to hear from the swamis. This was followed by a keynote address by His Holiness Radhanath Swami and Mr. Ajay Piramal.
Radhanath Swami explained how the idea of Simple Living High Thinking is actually state of consciousness. “When I was looking around I was thinking what am I supposed to say here. But actually it is the state of consciousness and one can apply this principle by living without duplicity and to live with values of compassion rather than values of selfishness, arrogance and greed” he said.
He further elucidated how economics deals with a basic problem – where the world has limited resources but people have greed that need unlimited resources. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying that, “Nature has enough resources for one man’s need but not enough for one’s greed.”
Radhanath Swami said that it is imperative in business to earn with integrity and spend with compassion. Swami stressed on having a strong internal foundation based on values and principles. “ This is the essence of simple living high thinking. Establishing priorities that are sacred and living by those priorities with values.Saintly and pure life is possible even living in the topmost room of this hotel. It's a matter of values it’s a matter of our foundation” he said.
Sharing his experiences in business, Mr Ajay Piramal said that by practising spiritual principles in one’s business, it not only helps build strong entrepreneurial spirit but actually creates long term economic values. He cited his own company’s examples where what seemed to be an impossible challengepaved ways to new opportunities. “What kept me going is to remember that we are mere instruments in the hands of a superior power,” he added, saying that how the spiritual teachings of Radhanath Swami helped him remain cool and composed, while staring at rock bottom situations.
The event was attended by high profile industrialists and business leaders of UAE to name a few, Mohan Jashanmal – Jashanmal Group, Dr. N. D. Desai -Chairman AparGroup ,Hrishikesh Mafatlal -Chairman,Mafatlal Group, Jacky Panjabi -Chairman Jacky's Group, SurenderKandhari – Chairman Al Dobowi Group, Mohan Valrani – Vice Chariman Al Shirawi Group, VeralPancholia – Chairman M. P. Pancholia Group, ArunPancharia – Consul General of Liberia, Ajay Rajendran – Vice Chairman Sobha Developers,SeemaShetty – CEO – NMC Group, SudhirShetty – CEO UAE Exchange and many other esteemed guests.
