Family Tradition, Values and Leadership Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar 76 th Custodian of House of Mewar Eternal Mewar The Palace Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan India

Family Tradition, Values and Leadership

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar 76th Custodian of House of Mewar

Eternal Mewar The Palace

Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan India

1ISB Family Business Conference Feb 8, 2009

Creation of State of Mewar

• Without shedding a drop of blood. • Without compromising core values such as

self-respect and independence. • It was founded on Vedic principles of Guru-

Shishya parampara.


Custodianship

• Birth in the 8th century of a unique form of family governance.

• When the world only knew governance of State by kingship.

• How does it differ: – In kingship, you are the undisputed absolute

owner to do your will. – In custodianship, you preserve and pass on what

you inherit in trust to your successors.– Custodianship survived because the continued

will to do so was voluntary and self-imposed.


Custodianship – (cont’d)

• How does it differ: – Custodianship is not an office of profit or a

political appointment.– The fundamental difference between

Custodianship and Kingship lies in the approach and attitude towards governance.– Even as late as 1947, Mahatma Gandhi

endorsed the custodian form of governance saying ,“wealth was to be held in trust for the benefit of all people.”


Custodianship ‘in practice’ in Mewar

It is an unequivocal fact that the House of Mewar continues to adhere to this guiding principle of Custodianship.

It is because they have the faith in these family traditions and culture.

These are the values we aspire to bequeath to the next generation.


Dynamism in Custodianship • Over the centuries, Mewar Custodians have

demonstrated that they have, at all times, been able to connect to the real world.– Remain relevant and contemporary.

• Because of changing challenges, in different times, there is flexibility of adaptation.– Mewar Custodians have been foresighted, ready

to embrace change, not fearful of its inherent dynamism.


Dynamism in Custodianship (cont’d)

• This dynamism, over a period of time, transforms itself into tradition.

• Similarly, this dynamism translates itself into a family culture, as well.

• The ability of the family to continuously recognize and practise this dynamism is the secret of our sustainability.


My learnings as 76th Custodian

Lesson 1: • The faith and adherence to this time-tested

principle of Custodianship form of governance is imperative.


My learnings as 76th Custodian

Lesson 2: • Preserve the core at all costs.


My Learnings as 76th Custodian

Lesson 3:• Be equitable at all times.



Lesson 4: • Involve only those who are committed for

preserving for future generations.



Lesson 5: • Develop management structures for future

preservation.



Lesson 6: • Critical need for formalizing and documenting

arrangements.



Lesson 7: • Element of ruthlessness as a last resort and in the

larger interest of preserving the legacy.


The way forward….

Pathway 1: • Don’t abandon your moral responsibilities as

‘heads’ of families.


The way forward…

Pathway 2:• Develop personal as well as individual wealth

management mechanism for it is a requirement with every passing generation.


The way forward…

Pathway 3:• Let wealth sit easy: it takes generations to

understand, ‘digest’, the power of wealth.


Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!


Documents

Family Tradition, Values and Leadership Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar 76 th Custodian of House of Mewar Eternal Mewar The Palace Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan India