Watch Arun Nanda of Adhata Trust on MVP
Delighted to bring you this powerful episode of MVP – The Master’s Voice Podcast featuring Arun Nanda, Managing Trustee – Adhata Trust; Former Executive Director & President – Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd; Former Chairman – Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (I) Ltd and Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. A corporate legend, social visionary and purpose-driven changemaker, Arun joins me for a deeply inspiring conversation on leadership, trust, values, and his extraordinary second innings dedicated to social impact and active aging through the remarkable work of Adhata Trust.
Listen to Arun Nanda, Managing Trustee – Adhata Trust, on MVP
Adhata Trust, which Arun created and leads, focuses on Positive Aging for senior citizens, and works to create an ecosystem that is dedicated to promoting their psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. With a strong focus on daily engagement and inclusive community-building, Adhata works to end elder isolation and foster intergenerational bonding, dignity, and purpose in the golden years of life.
A career built on trust, risk-taking, and empowerment
From qualifying as a chartered accountant to becoming the CFO at Mahindra & Mahindra before turning 27, Arun Nanda reflects on the formative years of his career with humility and gratitude. He speaks about the culture of empowerment that two towering figures in Indian business — doyens and captains of industry — Mr Keshub Mahindra and Mr Anand Mahindra fostered, and which allowed him to take bold decisions and learn through experience.
He shares stories that offer a glimpse into how leadership trust shaped his own approach to team-building and governance, underscoring how trust must be earned and nurtured on both sides of the equation. “You must empower people and trust them,” he says, echoing the leadership ethos that defined his tenure across Mahindra Group entities.
Leadership with values: Lessons from Mahindra
Arun Nanda reflects on his decades with Mahindra & Mahindra as a period rich with values and life lessons. The culture at Mahindra, he says, was always about more than just profits. “There was a deep commitment to doing the right thing. Mr Keshub Mahindra never compromised on values, even when decisions were tough,” he recalls.
The blend of financial performance and ethical governance, he believes, is not just ideal but necessary. His own leadership style reflects that: transparent, collaborative, and unafraid to let others shine. “Give people the opportunity,” he advises. “Support them, and you’ll be amazed at what they deliver.”
Purpose beyond profit: The founding of Adhata Trust
The conversation takes a poignant turn when Arun Nanda shares the story behind the creation of Adhata Trust. Witnessing the social and emotional isolation of older adults, especially in urban areas, he was driven to act. “I saw how my own mother, despite financial comfort, craved company and engagement,” he says. “That opened my eyes.”
Adhata Trust was born out of this realisation and now works to create vibrant, active community centres for the elderly. These centres focus not just on healthcare or social welfare but on active aging—encouraging physical, intellectual, and emotional engagement. From yoga to storytelling, digital literacy to peer bonding, Adhata’s centres are safe spaces that promote dignity and vitality among senior citizens.
The India challenge: Inequality, youth, and the AI era
As the conversation widens, Arun Nanda voices his concerns about the widening wealth gap in India and the growing threat of joblessness, especially in the age of automation and AI. “We can’t ignore it,” he says, stressing the need for both policy-level reform and grassroots-level action.
He speaks about the role Adhata Trust and other institutions can play by enabling economic empowerment through skills training, financial literacy, and education for youth and women. “Empowerment begins with knowledge and confidence,” he says, noting how even the elderly can become mentors to younger generations, creating a virtuous cycle of community upliftment.
The joy of giving: More than financial support
Perhaps the most moving part of the conversation is when Arun Nanda shares his philosophy of giving. He believes giving isn’t restricted to financial charity—it includes time, attention, mentorship, and skill-sharing. “Giving is a joy, not an obligation,” he states. “It transforms not just the receiver but also the giver.”
This philosophy guides his current work and encourages others to find their own ways to contribute meaningfully. Whether it’s helping an elderly person learn to use a smartphone or mentoring a young entrepreneur, every act counts, he says.
Building for the long term: The future of Adhata
Looking ahead, Arun Nanda shares his long-term vision for Adhata Trust. The goal is to scale operations while retaining the deeply personal, human touch that defines its current model. “We want to see Adhata centres across the country—not as franchises but as movements that communities own,” he says.
The emphasis, he adds, will remain on dignity, self-reliance, and active engagement. By empowering senior citizens and enabling intergenerational dialogue, Adhata aims to redefine aging in India—transforming it from a phase of decline to one of continued growth and relevance.
