Agartala, Oct 18, 2024, By: Dr VK Bahuguna
Ratan Naval Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on 9th October in Mumbai, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spread over decades. His leadership transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse worth 37 lakh crores, with a presence in various sectors, including steel, automobiles, health, IT, Electronics, hospitality and several others. Under his stewardship, the group became synonymous with innovation with empathy and humility with no non sense, ethical yet with a competence of world class standard business practices, and thus a corporate social responsibility to be emulated and promoted. Under his guidance, the Tata Group expanded into emerging markets and embraced technology, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world and put India as an emerging world economic power.
Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata was the great grand-son of Tata group founder Jamsetji Tata. He was educated at Carnell University and Harvard Business School. After completing his education he joined the family business in 1962. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chairman of Tata Sons in 1990. His great vision and unbound energy propelled the group into a global Indian Business super power, marked by landmark acquisitions such as Jaguar, Land Rover and Corus Steel. Ratan Tata was not only respected in the business community but also loved by the public. His humility, integrity, and approachability resonated with people across demographics.
Ratan Tata was not just a businessman; he was a philanthropist per excellence dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions in India. His focus on industrial growth with community development and social initiatives set plenty of standards for the Indian corporate to emulate. The Tata Trusts, which control a significant portion of Tata Group shares, are instrumental in funding healthcare, education, and rural development projects and bringing happiness to millions of people. The way people had shown their love and tribute on his death not only in Mumbai and other Industrial cities and towns but all over in the villages in the nook and corner of the country showed him that he was the darling leader of the people. He had surpassed the love and respect of any other leader or person passed away in several years. His towering personality was a reflection that an industrialist rooted in human values can be the darling of the masses. His passing away had left a void in the Indian society which is difficult to be filled with but certainly he had shown an example how to share the wealth with people like the way Mahatma Gandhi had visualised. Unlike the Communist philosophy of Carl Marx, Mahatma Gandhi believed that Capital and labour are not antagonistic to each other. Mahatma Gandhi was against Capitalism but not against Capitalist. He advised Capitalist to act as Trustee of Capital for the larger good of the society. Ratan Tata personified his philosophy.
Ratan Tata's leadership style emphasized innovation and sustainability but with Indian ethos. He championed projects like the Tata Nano a small car is a testimony of his vision aimed at providing affordable transportation to millions. His commitment to ethical practices earned the group respect internationally. He frequently met with young entrepreneurs, sharing insights and encouraging innovation. His presence on social media platforms, where he addressed contemporary issues, further lifted his popularity among the youth. His letter to the former Prime Minister Narsimha Rao on August 1996, when he faced criticism of vested interests on the economic reforms Rao had initiated, is a testimony of his love how Indian economy should acquire global status. I have once personally experienced his promptness in replying to letters from unknown people. In 2008 I was looking for a water purifier but the company owned by Tata sold me equipment not suitable for the water in Rabindra Nagar area of Delhi and the marketing head refused to accept it and return it. It was not even opened. I wrote to Ratan Tata a letter but did not expect any reply as the address was copied from internet. Within a week’s time of dispatching the letter the General Manager ‘Acquagard’ came to my office and profusely apologised and stated that his job is at risk and wanted me to write back to Ratan Tata that the product has been returned. It showed that he was a hard task master and did not compromise on public satisfaction and ethical business.
The passing of Ratan Tata marks the end of a glorious era of Tata Sons. His influence on Indian industry and society is indelible. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and unshakable commitment to the public good. As the world reflects on his contributions, Ratan Tata will be remembered not only as a titan of industry but as a compassionate beloved peoples leader and industrialist. His humility, integrity, and approachability resonated with people across all segments. When he noticed that 700 employees of one of his eye glasses business proposed to be sold were to be laid off by the new buyer; when he asked about the future of his employees, when he did not get a positive answer, he contemptuously turned the buyer out stating that it is not the ethics of Tata business house. The country knows how well he treated his people after the Mumbai hotel terrorist attack.. Parsi community is a miniscule minority among the minorities of India but have given the country some of the most adorable citizens who had immensely contributed in nation building and had set an example how to love and work for the people and the country. Among a galaxy of Parsi contributors Ratan Tata and Sam Manickshaw are the two real Bharat Ratna Indians will always remember.
Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and entrepreneurs in all fields, by highlighting his legacy of industrious leaders in today’s complex politico-business landscape. He exemplified that love for the country, compassion, integrity, and ethical decision-making is paramount in building trust. Hope Ratan Tata comes back again in some form of an angel that India need more and more to steer it in social, political and economic front.
(The author is former civil servant)