Kolkata, March 29, 2026 : The iconic Oxford Bookstore in Kolkata came alive with literary energy on Wednesday evening as author Vishwanath Alluri unveiled his latest book, The Enlightened Manager: A Transformative Approach to Work. The well-attended event, brought together readers, thinkers, and professionals for an engaging exploration of management, mindfulness, and the deeper meaning of work.
Published by Harper Collins and co-authored with Harry Eyres, The Enlightened Manager presents a reflective narrative that blends management philosophy with lived experience. Rooted in the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, the book moves beyond conventional business frameworks to explore themes of self-awareness, clarity, and inner transformation as essential components of effective leadership and entrepreneurship.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Arnab Basu, who guided the conversation with insight and depth, ensuring a meaningful exchange between the author and the audience. He was joined by panelist Anamitra Chatterjee, whose perspectives added further richness to the dialogue. The event was also graced by the presence of distinguished guest and former IAS officer Debashis Sen, whose attendance underscored the significance of the book’s message in both professional and public spheres.
Organized by AHAVA Communications along with the AHAVA Readers’ and Writers’ Club, the event showed their shared effort to promote reading, ideas, and literary culture in the city.
Addressing the audience, Vishwanath Alluri emphasized the importance of pausing in an increasingly fast-paced and outcome-driven world. “A pause is discipline,” he remarked, highlighting that the act of stepping back is not a sign of inaction, but rather a conscious and structured approach to clarity and decision-making. He encouraged individuals to look inward rather than constantly chase external goals. He also suggesting that deeper awareness often leads to more meaningful achievements.
The author used analogies from tennis and cricket to illustrate his ideas on mindfulness and management. He explained how athletes perform best not when they are obsessively focused on outcomes, but when they are fully present in the moment.
The audience remained deeply engaged throughout the session, responding enthusiastically to the thought-provoking discussion. During the interactive segment, one attendee raised a pertinent question about the feasibility of taking pauses in today’s demanding lifestyle. In response, Alluri clarified that mindfulness is not about withdrawing from responsibilities, but about approaching them with clarity and awareness. He acknowledged that there is always something at stake, but emphasized that conscious choice and understanding one’s priorities are key.
“It becomes almost mathematical and logical,” he explained. “If you act with clarity, the outcome follows naturally. The question is — what do you truly want to do?”
The evening concluded on a reflective note, with attendees expressing appreciation for the depth and authenticity of the discussion.
The Enlightened Manager stands out as a compelling addition to contemporary management literature. It offers a unique perspective that appeals not only to business professionals, but also to anyone seeking a more thoughtful approach to life and work.
