Ratan Tata – A person who Made a Difference
I was deeply saddened by the news of Ratan Tata’s passing last night. It feels like the loss of someone who has had an immeasurable impact on our nation and its people. In an 2018 interview he said he would like to be remembered as a person who Made a Difference.
Before my marriage, I only knew the Tata name as one of India’s great business houses, often hearing “Tata-Birla” in day-to-day conversations. But after my marriage, my appreciation for the Tata legacy grew profoundly.
My wife is from Jamshedpur—Tatanagar—a town built by the vision of Jamsetji Tata in 1919. For the people of Jamshedpur, the name ‘Tata’ is more than just a business house; it’s the heart and soul of the city. My father-in-law and his brother started working for Tata Motors in their youth, and they are always full of stories about Jamshedpur and the Tata family. Every conversation somehow circles back to the city and the legacy of Tata.
They often share, with immense pride, how Ratan Tata worked alongside them on the Tata Motors factory floor, just like any other worker. He was directed to learn how the work was done firsthand, earning their respect by his humble demeanour.
I remember my father mentioning that many trains pass through Bhopal, to which my father-in-law instantly responded, “Yes, there’s one from Jamshedpur that travels via Bhopal.” It’s that kind of connection—a deep pride and reverence for the Tatas and their contributions.
Having grown up moving frequently due to my father’s career in banking, I never felt a deep connection to any one place. But for my wife and her family, Jamshedpur is that special place, and much of that sentiment is tied to the Tata legacy. Every time I visit, I’m greeted with facts and stories about how the Tatas shaped the city and its people.
In recent years, I’ve read several books on Tata, from #TataStories, Beyond the Last Blue Mountain, Tata Log, to ‘I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata’. The more I read, the more I am inspired by the Tata legacy—by their immense contributions not just in business but to society and philanthropy. Ratan Tata’s humility, vision, and dedication to the greater good deeply moved me. I also felt a personal connection with Mr. Ratan Tata, sharing his love for dogs and all animals.
Today, before Astami, I find myself in Jamshedpur, a city that would usually be buzzing with life during Durga Puja Festivities. But today, there’s a somber atmosphere. The pandals are still up, but the town feels like it’s in mourning for a man who made such a difference.
Ratan Tata: a life well lived, a person who inspired an entire nation and left a legacy that will continue to influence generations to come.
Rest in power, Mr. Ratan Tata.
#RatanTata #Legacy #TataStories
