The Alpha Group of Companies was preparing to launch a new beauty product. The responsibility for crafting the launch plan fell to Rajesh Lakhani, who was given complete freedom to design the pitch and communications.
Rajesh, despite his personal dislike for Ram, knew deep down that no one else could deliver the results expected. So he handed the responsibility to Ram—the sharpest mind on his team.
The stage was set. Ram worked tirelessly, pouring thought and creativity into the plan. But when the day of the boardroom presentation arrived, Rajesh chose to give the spotlight to his favourite team member, Sonia Singh. Ram was asked to sit quietly in the corner, like an uninvited guest.
It was a moment that mirrored an ancient story. Princess Holika, favored by her demon brother Hiranyakashyap, was ready to sit in the fire with Prahlad, the devotee of Lord Vishnu. Holika wore her protective blanket, confident that the flames would consume Prahlad while sparing her.
Back in the boardroom, Sonia and Rajesh presented Ram’s work as their own. The CEO listened carefully, but then asked a simple question: “Why did you choose saffron as the color for the communication?”
Rajesh and Sonia faltered. They had no answer.
Ram, sitting silently until then, requested permission to speak. The CEO agreed. Ram explained: “The product is a moisturizer cream, used mostly in the morning. Morning is the time of sunrise, and the color of sunrise is saffron—full of warmth, positivity, and energy. I wanted consumers to feel that connection instantly.”
The board was impressed. Rajesh and Sonia’s deception was exposed.
Just as in the legend, when the flames rose high, Prahlad’s faith protected him. The fire consumed Holika’s blanket, burning her instead, while Prahlad emerged unhurt. Evil intentions were defeated, and truth prevailed.
The lesson is timeless. Whether in ancient story or modern boardrooms, wrong intentions, credit-stealing, and manipulative behavior eventually get exposed. What endures is authenticity, effort, and faith—faith in your work, faith in your values, faith in yourself.
This Holi, let us remember: the bonfire of Holika Dahan is not just ritual—it is symbolic. It is a reminder to burn away jealousy, dishonesty, and negativity. To rise above pettiness and focus on growth.
Let’s ignite the fire of integrity and unity. Let’s burn all evil intentions in the Holika flames—and step into the colors of positivity, collaboration, and trust.