The nation mourns the passing of visionary industrialist Ratan Tata at the age of 86. His relentless dedication placed Tata Group among the world's most successful companies. His foresight and benevolence led to immense success.
Ratan Tata served as chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2021. During this time, he propelled one of the oldest business houses to new heights. Before assuming leadership in 1991, he had hands-on experience at Tata Steel in Jamshedpur during the 1970s.
In the book 'Joy of Achievement' by author R.M. Lala, an insight is shared about an inquiry made to J.R.D. in 1979 regarding why Tata Group's expansion wasn't as rapid as other companies. J.R.D. reflected: "I've often pondered this. Had we taken paths similar to others, we might have been twice our current size. However, we choose to operate on our principles."
When J.R.D. chose Ratan Tata as his successor in 1991, Ratan had already laid plans to elevate the Tata Group's stature. He made it clear that any entity not following the group’s ethos would be disbanded.
The book also narrates a scenario where one of Tata Group's companies wished to venture into cinema. Aware of the industry's moral compass, the company was removed from the group for ethical reasons.
Source: aajtak
A fascinating incident in the book describes when an MD of a Tata company claimed that business required corruption. Ratan Tata disagreed, and six months later, the MD admitted to enhancing profits by adopting Tata's ethical ways.
In 2003, the author wrote a letter praising Ratan Tata's leadership, to which Ratan responded, outlining factors that distinctively position Tata Group apart from others.
In his reply, Ratan Tata expressed, "I've strived to adhere to J.R.D. Tata's guiding principles over the years. This year was particularly challenging, filled with hurdles. Had anything gone awry, the onus was entirely on me. I learned much about human nature, hypocrisy, true friendship, and above all, values and integrity. I had to make sacrifices, distancing myself from family and relationships, which filled me with regret. Yet, I remain hopeful that my endeavors to form a consumer-friendly organization will justify the sacrifices made."
