Faculty and staff members of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) had the opportunity to explore the leadership philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita and experience traditional Indian culture during the workshop “Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita” held on August 1.
Workshop “Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita” offers HUTECH staff a cultural exploration of India
In the opening session, Dr. Nipa Desai - Director of the Institute of Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Sigma University - guided participants through traditional Indian breathing and relaxation exercises, aimed at fostering mental connection, improving focus, and enhancing mindfulness.
Dr. Nipa Desai guides participants through breathing exercises to strengthen mental focus and presence
From a modern perspective, Dr. Nipa Desai presented key leadership principles drawn from the Bhagavad Gita, a classical philosophical work of Indian culture, distilled into seven major leadership lessons: Self-awareness & Introspection, Dharma – Duty, Nishkama Karma – Detached Action, Composure & Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Inspiration & Motivation, Ethical Decision-making.
Dr. Nipa Desai shares seven profound leadership lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
Each lesson was presented with practical advice, helping participants apply them to personal life, teaching, management, and personal development in the educational environment. Toward the end of the session, attendees were invited to write down their personal development goals for the next six months, bridging theory and action, and encouraging individual initiative in shaping one’s own path based on the values explored.

Participants practice writing personal development goals to apply leadership philosophy in practice
In the second session, led by Dr. Priyanka Patil - Director of the Institute of Pharmacy and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Sigma University, participants learned about cultural values associated with two iconic elements of Indian tradition: the saree (traditional clothing) and henna (body art).
Dr. Priyanka Patil introduces the Saree - a unique symbol of Indian culture
Participants were excited to try on sarees, experiencing the beauty of Indian culture through the fabric folds and the intricate wrapping techniques
Faculty and staff experience the art of Henna and discover its delicate craftsmanship
The lively atmosphere continued as participants learned and performed traditional Indian dance together
The speaker shared insights into the origins, meaning, aesthetic value, rituals, and cultural significance of sarees and henna in Indian life. She also provided hands-on guidance on wrapping sarees in various regional styles such as Nivi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Maharashtrian. Regarding henna art, Dr. Priyanka Patil introduced traditional design motifs, from simple patterns to more elaborate bridal henna styles. Participants practiced using specialized henna cones, followed design templates, and explored how to combine patterns in traditional Indian fashion.
Workshop enhances cultural connections and reinforces HUTECH’s commitment to internationalizing education
The workshop not only offered deep insights into leadership thinking but also served as a cultural bridge between HUTECH and its international partners. Through traditional cultural experiences, the program enriched the spiritual life of faculty and staff, broadened perspectives, and fostered humanistic connections within the HUTECH community. It also stands as a testament to HUTECH’s efforts in building a comprehensive educational environment, promoting internationalization, and working toward sustainable development.
News: Xuân Mai
Photo: Hữu Hào
Communication Center