Anant Ambani - Radhika Merchant Wedding - A platform to spread Indian-ness

I want to look at the conscious efforts that went through the Anant Ambani - Radhika Merchant wedding. 

I want to look at the mindful hosting that went through the Anant Ambani - Radhika Merchant wedding.

I want to look at the roles played by the emotional quotient, cognitive quotient and intelligent quotient, to perform the Anant - Radhika wedding.

I want to look at the thoughtful, glorious wealth creation to local traders, vendors, specialists, artists, craftsmen, created as a part of the celebrations of Anant - Radhika wedding. 

I want to look at the trial and error efforts, number of failures, that were faced while planning for the Anant - Radhika wedding. 

I want to look at the decision-making strategies followed to perform Anant -Radhika wedding in our very own India, Bhaarat,  rather than in any global city to attract the global leaders and artists.

According to estimates by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the country’s apex industry body of traders and retailers, every year nearly 5,000 affluent couples hold wedding ceremonies in foreign locations. Together, they deprive the local businesses of Rs 75,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore in income per year. Additionally, since the money is spent in other countries the exchequer also loses out on income from taxes and cess.

According to Harish Bijoor, business and brand strategy expert, the Ambani wedding with rituals spread over months has surely acted as a booster for the local economy.

“It is suffice to say that the wedding economy contributes substantially to the country’s GDP. As money is being spent on weddings, the economy gets fuelled up and aids its growth. Such spending initiates a virtuous cycle creating more jobs, activities, income and, consequently, more money into the hands of people,” Bijoor told Business Today.

If wedding celebrations are also married to the purpose of growing India initiatives and economy boost with a touch of culture boost, I am absolutely ready, whole-heartedly, to appreciate such wedding and learn the mindfulness lessons from such successful people rather than, cribbing on the expenditure they do. After all, the expenditure is circulating within the country, within the local artisans, boosting their life source. It is like  creating "That one big opportunity"  as every business owner dreams, to take their small business to next level.

To name a few,

500 chefs, including street vendors to globally known chefs, designed 2500 vegetarian dishes, ranging from Indian street food to global cuisines.

6000 artisans crafting the venue's larger-than-life structures.

500 florists worked on decorations with 2 crore flowers.

This is just that 1 opportunity for them to grow socially, economically and globally.

Why should there be importance given to so much of mindful practices when Ambanis are ruling the world trade through Indian trade market?  Will just throwing money not solve the purpose (as many think)?

No, it will not!! This is where the cognitive and emotional intelligence kick in to balance the guests' egos to get to work together in future in various projects.

No matter whether the marriage is performed by a common man, or by a  farmer or by a successful business man or by a corporate employee, the ultimate wish every Indian or every bhaaratiya would want is "Guests to be given utmost care" meaning  "Athidi Devo Bhava" 

Mindful Hosting plays a major role. The secret lies in taking care of the minute things, to keep the guests' ego happy and satisfied. 

All the ancient countries with ancient civilisations, believe in their culture of giving respect and taking respect. Forget the odds and maintain good relation-ship. Because the trust is built only on these aspects. 

“Namaskar and thank you for joining us in this sacred ceremony. At this moment, I’m overwhelmed with emotions of joy, gratitude and deep devotion as I watch these two pieces of my heart, Anant and Radhika, unite in this eternal bond. In Hindu tradition, marriage is a solid promise not just for this lifetime but for seven lifetimes. Saath janam ka saath. It’s a belief that souls destined to find each other do so again and again, their love deepening with each lifetime…,” said Nita Ambani, in one of her addresses to the guests. 

What more do Indians need, when the top core Indians who are contributing to the economical growth of India are as well upholding the culture of India, BHAARAT and showcasing the valour and grandness of India to global audience,  than selling themselves to the western culture and portraying themselves as followers of western philosophy. 

Infact, the whole idea of celebrating festivals and occasions in India is to develop the economy, uphold the culture, forget the enmity, spread joy, work together and again develop the economy. This is the cycle to be followed to stay happy, and to grow gloriously and organically.

Ultimately this is what matters for me to learn. Understand these minute things of how leadership is seamlessly built in our culture, than being critical and biased about the Indian growth as western media influences us to be.

Know that leadership role is suitable for those who understand the interdependence of time, work and location as said in Sanskrit - Desha, Kaala, Paristhithi.

Krishna mentions in Bhagavad Gita,

"Arjuna! there are 4 types of good people who follow the rules and live life. They are (Aartha, Jignasu, arthaa-arthi, jnaani ) people who are always worried, people who are anxious to know, people who want to earn more, people who are knowledgeable. "7.16

"With the sword of Knowledge, slash the doubts that arise in the heart of ignorance. Bharata,stand and fight."4.42

Understanding the criticism is necessary based on the people from whom it came, when and for what. Knowledge on such analyses can quickly make a leader move ahead logically with the pure intention.

I observed, there is respect around Queen Elizabeth II 's funeral, which costed around 1500 crore, which is not generating any income to our country, but there is gaga around Ambani's wedding which costed around 5000 crore which is 0.5% of their wealth, in turn which is creating employment and wealth to the country. Remember your marriage expenses or ask your parents how much is spent on weddings in India. The figure is 20% of their lifetime savings, which is absolutely normal in India, and this culture runs around to keep the economical cycle moving. Why should one compromise on celebrations and culture when one can plan for charity as well. Indians have that clarity. Because, marriage expenses are for once in lifetime expenses which are different from charity expenses, which are recurring, every month or every year. 

Remember dear leaders, don't get into the trap of agenda driven criticism. Be conscious about purposefully building our nation and work towards culture driven thought process and decision - making strategies. Because, this is where your confidence and pride are seated.

---Keerthi Peratla