Ratan, the Jewel of India

 

At a time when the every nook and corner of the country is ready to gear up its festivities suddenly news channels flashed the news that at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai veteran industrialist Ratan Tata breathed his last at the age of 86. His family members said in a statement, “It is with deep sorrowthat we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Ratan.” Suddenly the mood of the nation changed to somberness. Everyone felt dejected as the nation lost its Ratan, the jewel.

Now, who was Ratan Naval Tata? Why is he valued so much across the nation? The answer is intricate as well as multifaceted. Ratan Tata started his career in The Tata Group in 1961 managing operations on the shop floor of Tata steel. Thirty years later taking over the chairmanship from his uncle legendary J.R.D Tata, he became the chairman of the group. Following the economic liberalization of India the Tata group as well as the nation required not only a businessperson but also a visionary and a leader to reap the fruits. Ratan Tata was the man. He led the Tata group and the nation as well. Under his leadership Tata Tea acquired the British company Tetley. Tata Motors acquired Jaguar and Land Rover and Tata steel acquired Corus. Thus made the Tata Group a multinational company in its truest sense. Each and every Indian cherished this success as their own victory. 

But had he been only the successful businessman he could not have left so much impact in minds of the millions. It is his philanthropy that the nation must remember. He has donated over $1.2 billion to philanthropic cause. Furthermore he helped establish numerous research, educational and cultural institutes in India. Among his major initiatives he will be remembered for founding Tata Education and Development Trust(TEDT). He also donated $28 million to the esteemed Cornell Universityfor allowing Indian students from financially weak background to study there. Almost 66% of profits from the Tata enterprises are donated for charitable purposes. Tata Group donated about Rs.1500 crore during COVID-19 to enable our country to fight against the pandemic. His contribution is summarised very well by President Murmu in her condolence message,"In the sad demise of Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics."