Jamshedpur: R N Sharma, one of the stalwarts of India’s industrial sector and a senior retired executive of Tata Steel, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 101. The veteran, who had devoted nearly five decades to the Tata Group and held several top leadership positions in India’s coal and steel industries, breathed his last at around 5:00 am at his residence.
Sharma had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a month ago and was under treatment at Tata Main Hospital (TMH). However, his health deteriorated significantly late Wednesday night. On the doctors’ advice, he was shifted home, where he passed away peacefully. His last rites were conducted at 11:00 am at Parvati Ghat in Bistupur, attended by family members, former colleagues, and well-wishers.
Born in the early 1920s, Sharma began his long and illustrious career with Tata Steel in 1949. Over the course of nearly five decades, he played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s mining and metallurgical operations. He rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Tata Steel and Managing Director of the Tinplate Company of India. His technical expertise, especially in mining engineering, was recognized early in his career during his tenure as Chief Mining Engineer at Jamadoba in the late 1960s — a critical phase for Tata Steel’s underground mining development.
Sharma’s career was not confined to Tata Steel alone. He held several influential roles in India’s public sector undertakings. He served as Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and later, Director of the Tinplate Company. He also chaired the Mini Tool Manufacturing Plant (MTMP), where he led initiatives aimed at indigenizing tool production for industrial self-reliance.
He also briefly stepped outside the Tata Group to take on the top role of Chairman of Coal India Limited, where his leadership was marked by policy reforms and a focus on sustainability in coal mining practices. His tenure at Coal India helped modernize operations and integrate more environmentally responsible practices in the public coal sector.
Even after his formal retirement, Sharma remained closely connected to Tata Steel as a consultant. His wisdom and experience continued to influence key decisions, particularly in the areas of mining and operations. He also actively participated in numerous social and voluntary initiatives, notably serving as President of the Cancer Society, where he dedicated his time to health awareness and cancer prevention campaigns in and around Jamshedpur.
In 2019, Tata Steel recognized Sharma’s immense contributions during the centenary celebrations of sustainable coal mining in its Jharia Division. His role in shaping the company’s mining legacy was acknowledged with reverence, with many citing him as a visionary who helped set high standards in underground mining safety and efficiency.
Family members, former colleagues, and representatives from Tata Steel and other organizations paid their final respects at the funeral. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one senior Tata Steel official remarked, “Mr. Sharma was not just a leader but a mentor to generations of engineers and managers. His principles and integrity continue to guide us.”
As the city of Jamshedpur bids farewell to one of its most respected figures, R.N. Sharma’s contributions to India’s industrial growth and community well-being will be remembered with admiration and gratitude for years to come.
