Management Mythos: Does Indian mythology have anything

to say on innovation?

Innovation is a hot subject and some even talk about the Indian 'jugaad' mentality as a path to
innovation. Does Indian mythology have anything to say on innovation.

Since ancient times, Indians have always believed that nothing in this world is static. Everything
is changing constantly. Even Indra, king of the devas, is not sure how long will he enjoy Swarga;
the war-mongering asuras are always at the gates of paradise.

Nothing is certain. Everything can and will change. It is an accepted reality. By contrast, the
West believes in a stable world order - a Promised Land, a Mount Olympus.

There is talk of periodic dramatic disruptions - the revolution — but these happen after long
periods of stability. Change represents a change of guard - for example from colonial powers of
the 19th century to postcolonial republics of the 20th century.

As is the notion of change, so is the notion of creativity. In India, since change is continuous
and of low amplitude, creativity is also continuous and takes the form of improvisations. In the
West, change is discontinuous and high amplitude spikes that demand supercreativity.
Innovation changes the system forever and heralds a period of relative stability before the next
revolution.

Thus India has an 'improvisation' mindset that is comfortable with lack of clarity, predictability
and certainty that enables one to cope with the continuous changes of life. The West has an
'innovative' mindset that is uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty and seeks to create a
new world order and an improved sense of stability.

The West functions on the basis of dependable systems. A logistics firm in the USA takes it for
granted that the maps are correct, the roadways are organised, the signaling systems work and
octroi collection rules are respected. But an Indian logistics firm has to function taking nothing
for granted. There are so many variables that the only way to survive in India is to depend on
the jugaad mindset of the truck driver.

If there is an emergency in the USA, you dial 911. Notice how even we Indians know this
number thanks to Hollywood films. But what number will we dial if there is an emergency in
India? There is no single number that we have. In all probability we will call our families.

In the most developed countries of the world, there is a single number that determines your
identity — a social security number. In India, even the government is not sure about what is that
single document that determines the identity of the Indian citizen: it is the passport, the PAN, the
electoral card or UID/Adhaar? The West creates a dependable cushion continuously improved
by innovation.

In India, we need to have a jugaad mindset as there is no system that will take care of you
when you fall. In the Bible everyone is walking towards the Promised Land: a common goal. In
Greek mythologies, the talented individual is encouraged to break free from the monotony that
binds the masses.

Innovation comes from this Western mindset that seeks the individual to rise up (like the Greek
hero) and help the collective (like the biblical prophet). In Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Purans,
everyone is walking in different directions depending on his karmic burden.

Improvisation comes from the Indian mindset that helps one survive in a world where nothing is
constant and one is ultimately on one's own, with no support from anyone. It is not about
changing the world and making it a better place; it is about surviving and thriving in a world that
keeps changing whether you like it to or not.