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In the passing away of Ratan Naval Tata yesterday, India lost an outstanding businessman, a noted philanthropist, a proud Indian, a great visionary and a humanist par excellence. He was the tallest among his peers whose notable contributions included the acquisition of global brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Tetley, He will be remembered for his concern for the middle class to whom he wanted to offer the comfort and safety of a four-wheeler at affordable price. For millions across the globe, he was known for his commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, with a focus on healthcare, education, rural development, and poverty alleviation.
His leadership made the Group enter the UK automobile manufacturing sector and soon became a major job creator. A press release of the UK Government on July 19, 2023, reported about Tata Group’s decision to invest over £4 billion in a UK gigafactory, creating thousands of jobs. The press release carried Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s following statement
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“This is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and one that will drive growth in our economy, creating thousands of jobs and powering our transition to electric cars. Tata Group’s gigafactory builds on the strength of our manufacturing industry and shows we’re on the right track, backing the sectors that will underpin our future prosperity for decades to come.”
"Success’, he had said,” is not measured by the position you hold, but by the impact you have on others.” Millions of Indians would remember him as a humanist, for his charity, as a patron of education, and science. He would be remembered for the hospitals he built to treat cancer.
Many of his admirers remember his special, outstanding human qualities. At 84, Ratan Tata quietly travelled from Mumbai to Pune to visit a former unwell employee with no media or publicity involved. He helped multiple students with their studies. Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, Tata Group donated $28 million to establish a scholarship fund at Cornel University. He had come forward and urged companies not to lay off employees during the pandemic. When Mr Tata crossed one million followers on Instagram, he posted a thank you note on which a lady commented ‘Congratulations Chhotu.” Ratan Tata had responded “There is a child in each one of us. Please treat this young lady with respect.” Ms Simi Grewal, a celebrated actress, in a 2011 interview with Times of India, spoke fondly of him, saying, "Ratan and I go back a long way. He's perfection--- he has a sense of humour, he's modest, and the perfect gentleman. Money was never his driving force."
India today remembers and pays homage to a perfect gentleman, a man of great compassion, a proud Indian and a great builder.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
