TATA’s - The great industrial story of India. As a child, I (we) all used to think richest means Tata’s and Birla’s and the only Tata that we knew is “Sir Ratan Tata”. The death of Ratan Tata marked the end of an era. Ratan Tata- India’s business tycoon and probably the only man with no haters.
I’m happy to see this country mourning his loss (don’t take me wrong). I’m happy for the fact that an entrepreneur is being celebrated in India, for the first time, unlike movie stars/ political leaders. As a founder myself, I can only show gratitude to Sir Ratan Tata by letting you all know what TATAs did for India and why we should be grateful to them.
The Start of the Greatness:
Jamshedji Tata - the founder of Tata Group and “father of Indian Industry”. His vision was not just about building a business empire; it was about nation-building. His commitment to industrialization laid the groundwork for modern India - employment and economy (FYI- He’s not an Indian by birth. They’re Persian Immigrants).
Established India’s 1st steel plant in 1907. It supplied 72% of the country’s steel needs by 1930’s, reduced India’s dependence on imported capital goods from 90% in 1950 to 50% by the 1960’s. It has supplied steel to India since World War-1 and still continues to develop advanced defence technologies today.
It pioneered infrastructure developments in India from Iconic Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge to India’s longest sea bridge Mumbai’s Trans Harbour Link, from Kargil Transmission Line to New Parliament Building.
IISc, Bangalore (Indian Institute of Science) is a brainchild of Jamshedji Tata. He envisioned the dire need for “Research Institute” in India which was influenced by his discussions with Swami Vivekananda.
Ratan Tata - A Legacy Forward:
His first job out of college was shovelling limestone at a mill. He continued to work his way up through the ranks and became CEO in 1991. He’s described as “Father of Modern Indian Business” (FYI- Ratan Tata is a Tata by lineage but he does not carry the same direct bloodline).
Revenue from $5.7 Billion to a whopping $100 Billion and transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse (salt to steel, tea to technology)
As of today, it operates over 100+ countries, 100 subsidiaries with 29 public listed companies including TCS, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Titan etc.
TATA companies contributed ₹47,196 crore in taxes, representing about 2.24% of India's total tax collection in 2017.
The Tata Group employs over 1 million people globally across its companies.
Launched India’s first fully indigenous car Indica and Worlds cheapest car Nano, making mobility in India accessible to all.
Ratan Tata directed over 65% of Tata Son’s profits to philanthropic activities across education, healthcare and rural development bringing the CSR revolution in corporate India.
The economist once wrote - “You can live in a house, drive a car, make a phone call, season your food, insure yourself, wear a watch, walk in shoes, cool yourself with air-conditioning and stay in a hotel, all courtesy of Tata firms”.
Ratan Tata’s legacy boosted my belief that entrepreneurs can be celebrated figures in India akin to politicians and movie stars. His life is a remarkable example of how business leaders can drive change and inspire future generations. His belief in innovation and ethical business practices serves as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs like me.
His life shows us that real leadership isn’t just about success but about being kind, understanding, and truly dedicated to making the world a better place for everyone.
Thank you, SIR Ratan Tata, for inspiring billions and me.
India misses you.
Johar!
“They alone live, who live for others” - Swami Vivekananda
Great words and truly agreed about all the facts. From a child to ex TCS employee I felt great to know him in my generation.