Bharat Vasani
In reflecting on the Tata succession, one can assign distinct roles to its notable leaders. Jamsetji Tata is revered as the Founder, while Dorabji Tata is recognized as the Implementor of his father’s vision. Though often overlooked, Dorabji’s contributions were vital in establishing Jamshedpur and Tata Steel as we know them today. JRD Tata, known as the Visionary, instilled the Tata culture and values that are still celebrated, including the introduction of the Tata Code of Conduct.
Ratan Tata, celebrated as the Transformer, dramatically reshaped the Tata Group from a loosely held $5 billion conglomerate into a $100 billion behemoth by the time he retired in 2012, taking bold steps into new and challenging ventures.
Bharat Vasani, a local trader and former General Secretary of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) shared his personal experiences with Ratan Tata, describing three memorable encounters. The first occurred in 2010 during the Founder’s Day Ceremony in Jamshedpur. At that event, Tata graciously unveiled a poster prepared by the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce & Industry and signed it with his left hand after the individual offered him a pen.
The second meeting took place in Ranchi on March 2, 2012, when Tata and his successor were visiting various stakeholders. When a woman expressed her desire for a photograph with him, Ratan Tata warmly placed his arm around her shoulder, posing for the picture with a genuine smile.
The third encounter occurred the following day in Jamshedpur, where Tata visited the local Chamber of Commerce. During a Q&A session, one attendee asked Ratan Tata’s successor about his internship experience under Tata, prompting a smile from Ratan Tata. As he left the auditorium, he paused to shake hands with attendees, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
Ratan Tata’s love for pets, often seen greeting visitors at Bombay House, became a familiar sight, symbolizing his warm personality. An anecdote from the 1990s highlights his integrity during difficult times: when Tata Finance faced challenges, Ratan Tata ensured that all depositors, including a family member who had invested Rs. 20,000, were reimbursed before winding up operations. Furthermore, during the 2008 recession, Tata Steel honored its commitments to vendors, showcasing Tata’s commitment to ethical business practices.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “India needs many more Tatas,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who recognize Ratan Tata’s remarkable contributions to Indian industry and society.
