NMMU Business School hosts renowned Indian spiritual teacher for inspirational address to MBA students and Nelson Mandela Bay business leaders

24 August 2012 – NMMU Business School hosted renowned Indian spiritual teacher and author Swami Anubhavananda to deliver a thought provoking and inspirational address, entitled: “Finding Happiness For Your Wellbeing: Thoughts For Business People”. The event was held at the Bird Street Campus in Port Elizabeth. Guests included, amongst others: current MBA students, industry representatives from the Nelson Mandela Bay public and private sectors and internal stakeholders and academics from the NMMU, including NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz who welcomed and introduced Swami Anubhavananda to the audience.

“Happiness has somewhat vanished on the lexicon of modern humanity. For some reason, we’ve lost grip of those things that should, I believe, matter much more than the material things that meet the eye. Happiness is one of the most elegant and deeply profound social values that I think we should put back onto the agenda.” said Prof Swartz.

Swami Anubhavananda entertained the audience with his witty and charming style of tuition, communicating his motto of life “Be Happy” and “Live life as a celebration…” in a humourous and thought provoking manner. He also touched on certain business and career related stressors and challenges, such as:

• The need to create balance and constantly reflect, despite the pressures of the corporate environment;
• The importance of maintaining a constant pursuit towards attaining the joy inherent instead of continuously seeking fulfilment and happiness from external sources; and
• The importance of being situational leaders, adapting to our circumstances and roles as and when the different areas in our lives require us to do so.

“It was very inspiring and uplifting. His advice certainly has given us food for thought and makes us stop to think on what is actually important.” Said Mr Mujaahid Toyer, Human Resources Manager RSA for REHAU Polymer (Pty) Ltd.

Mr Guy Thomson, MBA Alumni and Business Owner said, “It was an awesome event and I think it shows that the NMMU Business School is bringing in more diversity of thought into the business school space.”

“It was great and enlightening. It's important for people in high pressure environments to constantly create balance and reflect. I think your event was a break away from the norm, the technical teachings of business and really spoke to the person, which to me is so much more important.” commented Mr Luvuyo Bangazi, Director at Boomtown Strategic Brand Agency.