New Book Shows How 5 Indian Companies Turned Crisis to Gold

While most businesses struggled through demonetization, COVID-19, and supply chain chaos, five Indian companies discovered something powerful: crisis can be a catalyst for greatness.

"The Art of Enduring: How Great Companies Turn Crisis into Opportunity" examines how Bajaj Finance, Titan, Dr Lal PathLabs, Divi's Laboratories, and Tata Elxsi didn't just survive the turbulent decade from 2015 to 2025. They thrived, outpacing India's GDP growth while generating returns above 15 percent annually for over 15 years.

Authors Saurabh Mukherjea and Salil Desai started with India's 500 largest companies and discovered something remarkable. These five companies shared a common superpower: the ability to befriend uncertainty rather than fear it.

The book explores the systems, cultures, and leadership choices that transformed obstacles into advantages. It profiles both entrepreneurs like Arvind Lal and professional managers including Bhaskar Bhat, Rajeev Jain, and Om Manchanda who built success through discipline and consistent execution rather than flashy headlines.

Mukherjea and Desai deliberately shift attention from celebrity founders to what they call India's "quiet compounders." These are companies whose strength comes from institutional depth, intellectual capital, and decades of steady progress rather than viral moments.

The Bright Side

The book answers a question every business leader asks during tough times: What do great companies do when everything goes wrong? The answer isn't waiting for calm seas or perfect conditions.

These five companies proved that the greatest businesses learn to use time as an ally. They built systems strong enough to absorb shocks and flexible enough to spot opportunities others missed during chaos.

The lessons extend beyond corporate boardrooms. The book shows how consistent values, smart preparation, and the courage to act during uncertainty can turn any crisis into a launchpad for growth.

Scheduled for release on September 14 through Penguin Random House India, the book builds on the authors' previous bestsellers including "Coffee Can Investing" and "Diamonds in the Dust."

For anyone wondering how to build something that lasts in an unpredictable world, these five companies offer a masterclass in resilience and vision.