BPP Organizes Tribute To Ratan Tata

Members of the Parsi-Zoroastrian community and others gathered at Rustom Baug grounds, Byculla, on the eve of 27^th October, 2024, to honour the extraordinary life of Padma Vibhushan Ratan Naval Tata, who passed away on 9^th October, 2024. The tribute, organised by the Bombay Parsi Panchayet (BPP) had all trustees in attendance, provided a platform for those who had worked closely with the legendary Ratan Tata, to share their memories and recall his exceptional personality that was rooted in moral integrity, simplicity and humility. Leah and Maya Tata represented the Tata family.

Garlands of white daises adorned the larger-than-life photo of the late Ratan Tata, even as the ‘divo’, that was lit at the base of the photo, cast its glow in the deepening dusk setting in over Rustom Baug’s green lawns. The banner above the dais reiterated Tata’s famous quotes, including “The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are,” and “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk with others.” The fact that he always stood by his words was borne out by those on the dais who had worked with Ratan Tata and were there to honour his memory – all exemplary gentlemen, intelligent leaders in their own right – and all sharing in common, an extreme love and respect for the man they had worked with.

Burzis Taraporevala, Senior Advisor at Tata Trusts, commenced the occasion with a recitation of the holy ‘Ashem Vohu’ and ‘Yatha Ahu Variyo’. He introduced the eminent speakers for the evening – R. Gopalakrishnan – former Executive Director of Tata Sons Ltd. and had served on the boards of Tata Power and Tata Technologies, and author of multiple books; T R Doongaji, aka Donn, who worked with the Tata Group for 40 years, at top positions across several Tata companies; T V Narendran, MD and Global CEO of Tata Steel; Adi Engineer, former MD at Tata Power; and Phillie Karkaria who held positions including Executive Director at Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd., Vice President – Tata Financial Services at Tata Sons Pvt Ltd., and Vice President – Tata Financial Services Ltd.

Speaking about what struck him about the Tatas, Gopalakrishnan said that it was one of the few corporates that was both ‘respected and loved’, which is evident from, “the public outpouring of admiration and the effulgence” not only on the demise of Ratan Tata but that of JRD and Jamshedji Tata, as well. He had been in two minds about leaving his earlier company and joining the Tata group but did so because he realised that, “Tatas not only do business, but they do good to others.” He narrated an incident when he was going home and his car was stopped by a Traffic Policeman for jumping a red light. However, when the policeman saw the driver’s Tata epaulette and realised he was a Tata executive, he refused to fine them, saying that once, several years ago, when the Traffic policemen had not received raincoats due to some political red tape, the Tatas had immediately arranged for umbrellas to be sent to their police station. The policeman said, “Mujhe Tata ka karz chukana hai,’ (I want to repay the debt I owe the Tatas) and these were the words that had stayed with Gopalakrishnan. He believed, “Ratan Tata institutionalised compassion.”

Speaking exclusively to Parsi Times, R. Gopalakrishnan said, “It was his humility and compassion, more than his well-recognised business acumen. It is rare to find accomplished entrepreneurs, who are humble and compassionate.”

Donn Doongaji, author of ‘TATA – Living By Values’, shared, that when he joined Bombay House, “There were no cubicles for executives. Ratan Tata would come and sit next to me, not bothered about what desk or chair he was sitting in. It was from him that I learnt how important it was to be humble, because corporate seats are vacated all the time, but humble human beings occupy hearts forever.” He recalled the time when he was undergoing extreme work frustration and had visited Ratan Tata in his home, blurting out what was bothering him. Ratan Tata gave him a patient hearing and even walked him to his car, down the lane to see him off. And as Donn was driving away, he could see Ratan Tata watching after him in the rear-view mirror. “That’s when I realised that if this is the healing process at the Tatas, then I’m willing to bear a thousand wounds.”

Speaking with Parsi Times, Donn Doongaji shared, “I will remember Ratan Tata as an entrepreneur with values, as a visionary for whom service to the country and society was supreme, a man with determination who, quoting his words, inspired us to be “bold”, to “lead not follow”, to “question the unquestionable”. Above all, I will remember him as a humble, compassionate human being who cared for all humanity.”

T V Narendran, with 36 years of experience in the metals and mining industry, was there with Tata Steel when, “the foundations of the company were rebuilt in the 1990’s by Ratan Tata and Mr. Irani. Mr. Tata said a lot by saying very little. His words were thought-provoking. He advised us to think not logically, but compassionately.” When the economy was tough in the 1990s and workers had to be laid off, Ratan Tata ensured everyone was adequately taken care of. If any fatality occurred at the plant, the family would receive sufficient insurance and an eligible family member was given a job at the company and if they were underage, then the job would be waiting for them once their education was complete. Narendran concluded aptly with, “The best tribute to Mr. Ratan Tata is to live his values.”

“I will remember RNT for his leadership, his vision, his compassion, his humility and his tenacity.  He made us think long term, think out of the box and think with compassion.  His humility was inspiring as was his tenacity. It was a privilege and honour to have known him and worked with him,” T V Narendran told Parsi Times.

Echoing his sentiments, Adi Engineer shared, “We should all be inspired by his example.” He narrated an incident when the then CM of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh had met with Tata in a suite at the Taj. As discussions and dinner ran late, there was a knock at the door of the suite and Ratan Tata answered it and quietly took the car keys from his driver. Ratan Tata’s policy was that if he was delayed, his driver would be relieved and Tata would drive himself home. This made quite an impression on the CM and the next day when Adi Engineer visited him at the Mantralaya, he mentioned, ‘This man could hire ten drivers, but still drives himself home like an ordinary person!’ To which Adi Engineer replied, “The extraordinary thing about Tata leaders is their ordinariness.”

“I will remember RNT for admirably upholding the values that had been embedded into the organisation by Jamshedji Tata. Even in the face of immense difficulties, he fiercely protected the dignity and reputation of Tata enterprises while furthering the growth of the group at an accelerated pace. He always retained a human touch in all his dealings. He took the TATA Group into the global arena and his voice was heard by the powers that be at the highest levels internationally. He was truly the gentle giant of Indian industry. Bless his soul,” Adi Engineer shared with Parsi Times.

Phillie Karkaria, the last speaker for the evening, spoke about how Ratan Tata consolidated the diverse businesses of the company and brought them together. “He always thought of Brand Tata… He led by example and earned the respect of his colleagues.” Even when Tata Finance had to close, he ensured that all his depositors were paid in full. Karkaria reminisced the golden words uttered by Tata: “What has come from the people must go back to the people many times over.”

Phhile Karkaria shared a moment with Parsi Times, “I will remember Mr. Ratan Tata for being sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings in every way. He always believed in leading by example which earned him the respect of his employees. By his quiet demeanour, he handled business issues with tact, humility and professionalism. Promoting ‘Brand Tata’ was a huge contribution which introduced the ‘blue Tata logo’ to the public and brought about a unification of Tata companies.”

“I will remember Mr. Ratan N Tata as one of the finest leaders who, besides being at the helm of the Tata Group, was always kind, humane and caring towards each and every fellow human being… I will always remember how he steadfastly transformed the concept of Philanthropy by bringing in innovations in cancer care, health and nutrition, education and at the same time cared for the wellbeing of individual beneficiaries towards their health and livelihood. Humility, kindness, the ability to patiently listen were his greatest hallmarks, for which I will always have the utmost respect,” Burzis Taraporewalla told Parsi Times.

Professional Corporate Coach and BPP Trustee, Dr. Adil Malia, added, “What has been indeed awe-inspiring about Ratan Tataji is what leadership literature refers to as ‘Uncommon Leadership’… being successful not with ‘Stars’ but with ordinary people, inspiring them to give extra-ordinary performances. When you remove dilutions from the touching stories we heard from Tata Leaders at the Memorial Service, we see 5 reflections of his towering personality – humility, silent assertion, empathy, authenticity and self-less patronage of larger social causes.”

Concluding the evening, BPP Chairman, Viraf Mehta, thanked the eminent speakers and read out a scroll which lauded Ratan Tata and his remarkable legacy. The same was handed over to Leah Tata who accepted it on behalf of the Tata family.

The gathering dispersed with Burzis Taraporevala’s words resonating with one and all, how Ratan Tata exemplified the line from Rudyard Kipling’s classic poem, ‘If’, paraphrasing, that Ratan Tata, “walked with kings – but did not lose the common touch.”