When Leadership Meets Healing: Rajiv Bajaj and Dr. Mukesh Batra Turn Book Launch into a Thought-Provoking Conversation on Workplace Toxicity

Tikam Shekhawat : Pune, July 23 :

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Pune Riverside, in association with the Rotary Club of Pune Downtown, Rotary Club of Pune Far East and the Rotary Club of Poona, the event drew a packed audience of business leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, academicians, Rotary members and readers. Every seat in the conference hall was occupied well before the programme began at 6:45 pm, with many attendees standing at the back to witness the launch of Dr. Batra’s 11th book.

The highlight of the evening was an insightful dialogue between Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, and Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra, moderated by Rohit Jerajani. Their conversation explored how workplace toxicity extends far beyond office walls, affecting emotional well-being, physical health and relationships.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his latest book, Dr. Batra observed, “When I wrote Toxic, I realised the workplace has quietly become one of the largest sources of invisible toxicity in modern life, often more corrosive than diet or pollution, because we carry it home, into our sleep and into our relationships.”

What impressed many in the audience was Dr. Batra’s remarkable composure. At 75, the veteran physician appeared energetic, stress-free and effortlessly engaging, responding to audience questions with clarity, warmth and spontaneity—qualities that seemed to reflect the very philosophy his book advocates.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Rajiv Bajaj shared a personal anecdote dating back over two decades. He recalled how, despite several attempts nearly 23 years ago, securing an appointment with Dr. Batra had proved difficult because of the doctor’s demanding schedule. It was only after approaching him through a common reference that the meeting finally materialised. The story drew smiles from the audience and underscored the respect Dr. Batra had commanded long before wellness became a corporate priority.

Using real-life experiences from the corporate world, Bajaj linked leadership with emotional well-being, stressing that organisations must create environments where people can thrive rather than merely perform.

“The quality of our lives is shaped not only by what we consume, but also by the environments we create. At a time when stress and burnout have become commonplace, sustainable success begins with conscious choices both as individuals and as leaders,” Bajaj said.

The discussion also touched upon burnout, psychological safety, organisational culture and resilience, with audience members actively participating by sharing their own workplace experiences.

Published by Bloomsbury India, Toxic examines the hidden toxins influencing contemporary life—from unhealthy lifestyles and emotional stress to toxic workplace cultures and offers practical approaches for creating healthier minds, stronger relationships and more conscious workplaces.

The evening concluded with a book-signing session, where a large number of attendees purchased signed copies of the newly launched book, followed by networking interactions that carried forward the central message of the event: building healthier workplaces and healthier lives begins with awareness, empathy and conscious leadership.

Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune