Ratan Tata - In Memory

I woke up with the news that Ratan Tata left the world – and I was filled with great sadness. He was a role model for me - a young Dorab Tata Scholar, and a former employee of the Tata Group. Growing up in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, we always had this connection with the House of Tata’s. He was an architect who switched careers to business – he worked under very difficult conditions – constantly pushing the company and others to ensure Indian companies were embedded in the global context and yet retained their core values. He started his career in the Tata Group, in one of the most difficult posts (not at the top) and hence had a good understanding of the challenges on the ground. For me this was inspirational - having switched careers and trying to stay true to my values across professions. When the Taj Mahal hotel was attacked by terrorists - what struck me was that there were no politician around - but Mr. Ratan Tata was there, despite the security concerns. The politicians only came when the situation was resolved. He and senior leadership visited victims at home. You can read more in my case here: https://lnkd.in/duiXnzMd

He was a great believer in fairness – I had spent a good part of a year writing a case study on the Tatas only to be told later that Harvard had asked to write a case and it should not be given to anyone else, and it was legally binding. I appealed to him, and he gave me permission to publish saying since I had collected the data already before the contract, I could use it. Later we interviewed him when we presented him the Academy of International Business (AIB) Academy of International Business MENA Award in Mumbai and what struck me was his humbleness and reluctance to talk about himself. He told us stories of his acquisitions but what resonated with me was the human component. He always tried to address people and their fears. Of course, he was a hardworking person - never giving up his tireless pursuit and he demanded the same from everyone else.His love for dogs is also legendary. You could see him with his dogs on his drives across Mumbai.  Rest in peace and hopefully no matter how big the Tata Group gets - the values you entrusted us with lives on and helps create peace and prosperity for all in the world. You will continue to inspire me in the work that I do. Thank you. RIP.