On January 26, 2025, India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day, commemorating the day the Constitution came into effect and the country became a republic. This year’s theme, ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ highlights the balance between preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and embracing modern progress. It beautifully blends the importance of preserving ancient traditions with the need for progress, showing how India can grow while staying connected to its roots.
In line with this theme, StartupTalky connected with industry leaders and discussed how India’s traditional values are influencing business success today. From creating authentic brands to promoting sustainability and supporting local communities, these leaders are incorporating cultural heritage into their strategies. They believe that blending tradition with innovation drives growth and supports India’s ongoing development.
Let’s explore their insights into how traditional values are shaping business strategies and contributing to India’s economic and societal progress.
The Role of India’s Heritage in Business Success
Weaving Tradition into Modern Business Success
Banita Hamirwasia, Founder of Vaikuntham, emphasised that India’s vibrant cultural heritage and timeless values serve as a thread weaving together the fabric of modern business success. She noted that values rooted in craftsmanship, ethics, and devotion to quality provide businesses with a unique edge as they evolve and innovate, fostering trust and loyalty while standing the test of time.
She shared that in her Tanjore art business, these traditions come to life. Each painting, crafted with 24-carat gold and semi-precious stones, honours the ancient art form while celebrating the divinity of gods and goddesses. To balance tradition with modern appeal, she also creates abstract oil and acrylic artworks, ensuring her creations resonate with diverse audiences.
Hamirwasia further stated that her mission extends beyond artistry by supporting India’s economic and societal growth by promoting sustainable practices and empowering local artisans. She believes that blending the richness of the past with forward-thinking innovation keeps India’s heritage alive, proving that tradition is not a barrier to progress but its foundation.
India’s Cultural Heritage and Ayurvedic Wisdom in Modern Business
Neha Abhinav Bansal, Founder of Ayurvedic Sutra, shared that India’s traditional values and cultural heritage have the potential to impact the way modern businesses operate. She highlighted that values like teamwork, ethics, and authenticity make Indian culture unique.
She explained how Ayurveda has been deeply rooted in life for centuries, with ancestors relying on Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, Kesar, and aloe vera for their medicinal properties. However, Ayurveda is not limited to these ingredients and offers much more from nature’s treasure chest, such as carrot seeds, lotus seeds, manjistha, and grape seeds. Additionally, ayurvedic essential oils like kumkumadi oil, eladi oil, plum oil, and almond oil are integral to this tradition. At Ayurvedic Sutra, the focus is on harnessing these ingredients while ensuring sustainable sourcing.
By aligning with the Make in India initiative, Ayurvedic Sutra contributes to India’s economic growth, supports local industries, and showcases Indian heritage on a global scale.
Anik Banerjee
Blending Ancient Knowledge with Modern Wellness
Dr. Sudha Asokan, Founder of Dr. Sudha’s Ayurveda Kendra, stated that India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional values offer timeless relevance in today’s fast-paced world. She shared that her Ayurveda center integrates ancient healing practices like Pizhichil (hot oil bath), Sirodhara (slowly dripping medicated liquid onto the forehead), and Potli with modern wellness approaches to create holistic experiences that resonate globally.
She explained that embracing these traditions allows businesses to build authenticity, trust, and emotional connections with their customers. She said that blending India’s ancient knowledge with innovation has been the foundation of a sustainable and impactful brand.
Dr. Asokan also highlighted that her efforts promote wellness while creating opportunities for skilled professionals trained in traditional methods. She added that this approach contributes to preserving India’s heritage, creating jobs, and fostering global awareness of the country’s cultural assets. She believes that as businesses modernise, staying rooted in traditions can drive meaningful growth and position India as a global leader in innovation and cultural preservation.
Combining Heritage with Modern Values in Digital Learning
Abhinav Sehgal, Founder of DigiUprise, highlighted the importance of India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional values in modern business success. He stated that principles like integrity, community spirit, and resilience are the core values that build trust and collaboration, crucial for sustainable growth. These values, according to Sehgal, ensure that businesses develop ethical and empathetic practices while innovating.
At DigiUprise, these values are reflected in a learning environment that prioritises discipline, humility, and a shared vision for advancement. Sehgal shared that the organisation equips aspiring marketers with advanced digital skills while fostering a strong sense of social and national responsibility.
By supporting local talent, promoting inclusivity, and using technology to overcome challenges, DigiUprise contributes to India’s economic and social progress. Sehgal believes that blending modern innovation with India’s cultural heritage develops leaders who respect the past while building a vibrant, future-ready nation.
He also underscored the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—exemplifying India’s inclusive approach to business, fostering collaboration and partnerships that transcend boundaries.
“As businesses innovate and embrace modern technologies, these timeless values ensure they remain grounded in ethics, empathy, and social responsibility, striking a balance between progress and purpose,” said Sehgal.
India’s Timeless Values for Future Growth
Mamta Gupta, Co-founder of Urja by Zariin, shared that in this rapidly evolving world, India’s timeless values are not just ideals of the past but are relevant frameworks for the present and future. The traditional values of holistic living, sustainable practices, and community-driven progress have been ingrained in Indian philosophy for centuries. Today, these traditions provide inspiration and wisdom to businesses as they look at growth.
She pointed out that corporates and executives worldwide recognise the importance of balance—between material and spiritual, progress and preservation, individual and community. The ancient Indian values of co-existence and harmony are just as relevant today, and one can see brands across all sectors collaborating strategically and aiming at mutual growth.
Mamta further explained that as contemporary businesses transform towards automation and AI-enabled progress, the traditional Indian values of craftsmanship and detailed artistry still remain important, underscoring the relevance of quality and preservation of human skill. She added that businesses increasingly understand that innovation abets authenticity, and does not substitute it.
She concluded by stating that sustainability, a principle ingrained in the Indian consciousness before it became a global buzzword, offers a roadmap for businesses to address environmental challenges today. At Urja by Zariin, they strive to bring a piece of India’s timeless wisdom documented in their scriptures through beautiful handcrafted jewellery that invokes a sense of balance.
Bridging Heritage and Sustainability in Modern Business
India’s timeless cultural heritage represents an aesthetic legacy intertwined with traditional ethos. For Amala Earth, this heritage serves as a blueprint for sustainable and purpose-driven growth in today’s world.
Amala Earth honours this legacy by offering an earth-friendly, one-stop marketplace that bridges traditional wisdom with modern needs. Through its ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, the platform empowers artisans, celebrates Ayurveda, promotes indigenous crafts, and champions mindful consumption.
By integrating India’s cultural values with innovation, Amala Earth fosters sustainable economic growth while preserving the essence of its roots. Championing sustainability and earth-friendly living, the brand contributes to a future where economic development and cultural preservation coexist, creating a thriving community of like-minded conscious consumers.
Sakshi Jadhav
