ICAI Kuwait Chapter’s Iftar event unveils timeless leadership lessons from Chanakya
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Kuwait Chapter (ICAIKC) hosted a captivating session on Chanakya’s Leadership and Management Lessons at the prestigious Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, Kuwait, on Saturday, 22nd March.
The event brought together over 150 members and esteemed guests for an enlightening discourse led by renowned leadership coach and mentor Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, Director of Chanakya Anvikshiki Pvt. Ltd.
CA Venkata Ramana, Secretary of ICAIKC, opened the event with an insightful introduction, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Chanakya’s wisdom in finance and leadership, particularly in today’s fast-evolving global economy. He underscored the practical applications of these ancient principles in modern financial and business landscapes. Concluding his address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pillai and all attendees for their presence and participation.
CA Aditya Vikram Dhanuka, Chairperson of ICAIKC, warmly welcomed members, esteemed guests, past chairpersons, and founding members. He shared updates on ICAIKC’s recent successful events, including CA Family Day and Gully Cricket, both of which witnessed enthusiastic participation. To celebrate these moments, a highlight reel showcasing the energy and camaraderie of these events was presented to the audience.
The event’s Master of Ceremonies, CA Rohit Agarwal, Vice Chairman of ICAIKC, introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, India’s No. 1 bestselling business author and a globally recognized authority on strategy, leadership, and management. With 24 bestselling books to his credit, including the widely acclaimed Corporate Chanakya and the Chatur Chanakya series for children, Dr. Pillai has made a profound impact on leadership studies, inspiring professionals and young minds alike.
As the Founder and Director of the Chanakya International Institute of Leadership Studies (CIILS) at the University of Mumbai, Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of leaders.
A visiting faculty at esteemed institutions such as IIMs, IITs, IISc, RBI, BSE, and defense academies, Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai has delivered over 1,000 lectures, influencing professionals across diverse industries. Additionally, as a strategic advisor to more than 500 organizations, including major corporations, government bodies, and the Indian Armed Forces, he continues to play a pivotal role in driving leadership excellence at the highest levels.
Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai began his session by introducing Chanakya, also known as Vishnu Gupta and Kautilya, a renowned strategist and philosopher from the 4th century BC. He highlighted Chanakya’s significant contributions to governance, economics, and leadership, particularly through his seminal works—Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti. These texts emphasize the importance of structured knowledge and provide timeless wisdom on administration, strategy, and ethical leadership.
Furthermore, Dr. Pillai elaborated on Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a Sanskrit treatise on economics and leadership that comprises 15 books, 150 chapters, and 6,000 sutras (shlokas). Covering a broad spectrum of subjects, including economics, statecraft, law, warfare, and strategy, it serves as a comprehensive guide to governance and management.
Dr. Pillai highlighted Chanakya’s brilliance as a polymath, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of his work. He further illustrated, using real-life examples, how these ancient principles continue to be highly relevant today, providing valuable insights for achieving success as a leader in any field.
One of the key moments of the session was the discussion on the seven pillars of a successful kingdom, which Chanakya defined as:
- Swami (King) – The leader
- Amatya (Minister) – The advisor or executive team
- Janapada (Country) – The market or community
- Durg (Fortified City) – Infrastructure and strategic defense
- Kosha (Treasury) – Financial strength
- Danda (Army) – Governance and enforcement
- Mitra (Ally) – Strategic partnerships
Dr. Pillai made compelling comparisons between these seven pillars and their modern counterparts in business and governance, showcasing their ongoing relevance in leadership and financial strategy.
The session ended with a vote of thanks by CA Umesh Soni, Treasurer of ICAIKC, who expressed gratitude to Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai for his invaluable insights, as well as to the attendees, sponsors, and media partners. Special appreciation was given to annual sponsors Al Mulla Exchange, NBK, and Cube Innovators for their steadfast support. The evening also included an engaging Q&A session and a raffle draw.
ICAIKC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Virtuous Group, India, for their generous support, which played a crucial role in the success of this enlightening session.
Finally, CA Andaleeb Girkar, Executive Committee Member of ICAIKC, formally announced the breaking of fast and Iftar, bringing the event to a close in a spirit of reflection, camaraderie, and shared learning.
For more details about ICAIKC and upcoming events, visit: https://www.icaikw.org and follow us on our official social media channels.
