I came in contact with Mr.Ratan Tata in 1970, soon after I joined TCS. He had returned to India and was learning about the various businesses of the Group. After spending a few months in Jamshedpur at TISCO(as Tata Steel was then called), he spent 6 months in TCS. The reasons for the choice of the small unit TCS for a round of orientation will remain a mystery, but perhaps it was motivated by his fascination with Information Technology even in those early years. At the time I joined TCS, we had added an ICL 1903 Computer to the IBM 1401 . ICL 1903 was more advanced as we could program in the third generation language COBOL which was then gaining usage. ICL had organized a COBOL training class and Mr. Ratan Tata and I were classmates! I reminded him of this at a party organized at Taj Chambers at Taj in 2012 when he stepped down as the Chairman of TCS and we talked about those times in TCS.
Mr.Ratan Tata became the Chairman of TCS in 1996, when Mr.Palkhivala stepped down. By then, he had become more involved with Computers, from his days at NELCO and his forays into building a supercomputer with Elxsi in the US. He also was the Chairman of Tata IBM. He was instrumental in starting Tata Technologies , largely to provide computer backbone to automobile enterprises. Based on those early interactions with TCS, he carried the impression that it was a paternalistic organization and did not like working with other Technology companies in the Group. As he started interacting with us, he realized the potential of TCS and the great institution that was being built. He agreed to the listing of TCS and actively participated in the road shows. I interacted with him during the days when we were preparing for the IPO. I learnt a lot about dealing with Investment Bankers, and he made sure that they looked after our interests well. He contributed a lot in the pricing of the issue, ensuring that Tatas got compensated for the value they had created and at the same time, the investors could gain over a period by investing in TCS. A company that was valued at $10B during IPO carries a market capitalization of $200B, benefiting the Group and the investors.
He was tough on us . He wanted us to come out with our quarterly and annual results around the same time as one of our competitors did. When I protested at what I considered to be an unreasonable demand, he merely said that as a listed company we have to play by the rules of the competition and be seen as the best. He challenged us on the performance of our competitors. About our nearest Indian competitor , he had this to say:”Initially you never saw them. Thereafter you saw them in the rear view mirror, then on the side view mirror. You did not see them after that, as they have gone past you”. These words hurt us at that time, but they made us correct all the imbalances, including in the operating margin percentage. In 2009, it made us set an audacious goal of improving margins by 4% over the next 5 quarters and we handsomely beat this tough target. His snide remarks, expressed in his own inimitable manner without raising his voice, pushed the leadership team to achieve the impossible.
After those days, TCS became an undisputed leader. In the Blitz in 2012 at Hyderabad , he publicly acknowledged it. In his address, he said that “in the early days after listing, Maha used to come to me comparing our results with our competitor, who always surprised the market with their stellar performance. Maha used to justify by saying that if we removed certain items, TCS was doing better. Obviously this carried no conviction. From those days, you have made such great strides in your performance that you have comprehensively beaten the competitor. Maha did not have to provide any explanation.”. I was squirming in my seat. When I met him the next day , he had the grace to apologise to me for presenting me in a bad light.
He was certainly a leader. He had his own views, which he arrived at after some deliberation. While he listened to everyone, he was not carried away. One may dispute his conclusions, but it is difficult to say that they were unfairly arrived at. He emphasized ethical approach and his public articulation of it made it a creed for everyone to follow.
There are many specific instances that I recollect when he pushed us to become better – thus contributing to how TCS has evolved into being a leader. In his role as Chairman of Tata Trusts, which he took very seriously once he gave up his Executive positions in the Group, he was bent on focus and scale. He did to philanthropy what he did to companies – making them serve the needs of the society.
It has been an overwhelming and emotional experience through the day. It started with waking up to the news that Mr. Ratan Naval Tata is no more, going on to calls from friends and colleagues, to reading the innumerable messages on social media, and the live coverage of the funeral on TV.
My memories of Mr. Tata go back to the late 1990s when I had the privilege of meeting him regularly with Mr. Ramadorai and Mr. Chandrasekaran at the review meetings of the Tata Sons executive committee meetings every quarter. A true lesson in the core Tata values of integrity, learning and sharing, reinforced by his quiet but firm advice and guidance. His curiosity and passion for technology was invaluable in the journey of TCS Research and Innovation. I still remember his feedback on the initial iterations – ‘do not make any person in R&I feel what they are doing is irrelevant to TCS’. His reactions and insights on an early version of the TCS autonomous driving program in the mid 2010s spurred the team to demonstrate a far more successful approach before the end of the decade.
Finally, a personal anecdote. I was once upgraded to first class on a London-Mumbai flight and was pleasantly surprised to find Mr. Tata as a co-passenger. I was somewhat flustered, not sure whether he had recognized me – but he was unfailingly polite as ever and put me at my ease. When we landed in Mumbai, there was the usual flurry of ‘receive the VIP’ activity at the aerobridge. He insisted on carrying his hand baggage and made sure I was also seated on his buggy on the short trip to immigration. He stood in the queue to get his passport stamped, although half a dozen people were waiting to whisk him through. He waited for me to come through and asked me if I had transportation waiting for me. Only then did he walk out through the doors and into his waiting car. Respect for the individual – never a better lesson than this!
Sir, your Good thoughts, Good words and Good deeds will remain guiding lights for all of us. Rest in peace, dear Mr. Tata.
Ratan Tata , the epitome of ethical standard and FairPlay.
Ratan Tata passing away has brought out emotions and memories from across the world . I was fortunate to have interacted with him in various capacities across three group companies .
The first of my very own ‘ moment of awe’ with Mr Tata was in mid nineties , when I was deputed as CFO to Tata-IBM , 50/50 JV between Tata and IBM.
A final interview was scheduled with the Chairman at the suite at the Taj West End where he was staying . As I nervously entered the suite , Mr.Tata asks me to sit down , offers tea and makes sure I am settled in .
Then he says, “ I have not asked you to come so I can interview you – the fact that your name has been proposed indicates you are the best person for the job “ He goes on to say “ I just want to leave you with one message . We are not asking you to go there to protect the interests of the Tata group ; we are asking you to go and protect the interest of the JV and by doing so you will protect the interests of both the parties in the JV”.
Nearly three decades since the meeting , the message still replays in my mind all the time .
Most businesses approach JVs with suspicion , always worried if the ‘other partner is getting an inch more than me ‘. And this approach has been the beginning of the end of many JV relationships .
Mr. Tata raises above such narrow mindsets and takes trouble to ensure his people understand and follow these principles . Setting the tone at the top is very important for any organisation and that’s what Mr. Tata did at that meeting – making sure that a Tata nominated CFO understand his role in the context of the ethos of the group before he taken on the role .
When the Leader sets the right tone and follows those principles unwaveringly, that becomes organization principles and culture.
There were innumerable instances where Mr Tara’s approach was guided by a sense of FairPlay and high standards of ethical conduct. Like thousands who have voiced their emotions, I too have been blessed to have these direct interactions with the Legend.
He was such well respected…what differentiated him from other industrialist is, I have come across many common person such as rickshaw puller and they asked about him when I mentioned I worked in Tata.. he was a legend to all Indian, starting from top to bottom.
I cherish my memory of receiving a thank you note from him when I sent a Montblanc fountain pen made in China of worth US $ 6 only while its actual price of the original one at that time was US$ 350.
During tea break time of an annual general meeting at Taj Bengal in Kolkata, Mr. RNT pointed his finger to a Montblanc pen clipped in the pocket of one of the senior persons of Tata and enquired where from he got it. The gentleman answered, “from China, Sir”. RNT said laughingly, and of course jokingly “get one for me when you next time visit China.
I am a Fountain pen buff and a collector of all sorts of pens. Our Intel project delivery was planned to its China center on one occasion. When my team member visited China, I asked him to find a Montblanc fountain pen made in China. He could get one of the recent released models and I sent the same to Mr. Ratan Tata at Bombay house with a small note mentioning the discussion that had happened on this subject during AGM at Kolkata.
As the quality of China pen was worst compared to the original one, I just added one extra line high lighting Tata Quality in its products and services. When we again met on another occasion at Mumbai, he could remember me and said that he used the pen for some time. I was so happy and thrilled to hear that! Great men are always simple and ground to earth. Country will never forget him.
I will always cherish the memory of my very few meetings with him. He will be remembered for his compassion and ethical leadership.
Our country lost a great philanthropic soft spoken iron will leader. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Om Shanti.
I was lucky to interact with him during Bombay House Nanavati Mahalaya and Army & Navy Bldg combined picnic in 1989 when he was just elected chairman of TELCO after Suman Moolgaonkar stepped down. Such a soft spoken easily approachable person I have ever seen.
A visionary leader
A Patriot
A role model in every respect
and
A wonderful human being above all…
Ratan Tata will continue to inspire many generations
and Will live in our hearts and minds for many many more years
Om Shanti
I wasn’t lucky enough to meet him in person! Who doesn’t respect him or admire him… Sad Day… RIP Mr Tata
Sad Loss. End of an era. May his soul rest in peace.
Sad day for India. We have lost an Icon. His contributions have been so immense, it is difficult to enumerate. Above all a great human being.
Truly a sad day for us, all Indians and the Tata parivar. A Global icon, a humanist and a perfect leader. This feels like a personal loss. May his soul Rest in Peace.
I have had the great fortune of brief interactions with him when he was in his thirties and I had just finished college in 1974. I was with Tata Electric R&D when we had the lab in a small non-descript building in Andheri East. He would visit once in a while and chat with the team. He must have been doing the same with other Tata businesses. He learnt the ropes with hands-on interactions with people and getting into the nittie-gritties. He was the ultimate in politeness. I remember he would politely ask if he could use the bathroom! May the great soul rest in peace.
Sad news for all of us. We will miss a legend who was a true gentleman staying clear of politics and controversy. And a philanthropist at heart
A legend of our times – “a person who made a difference”. Just that the difference he made touched billions
Very saddened by the tragic news. He lived a good life and guided not just the Tata Group but also showed a path to Indian entrepreneurs on how to dream big. May eshwar provide Moksha to his Aatma
Great loss indeed to the nation and to the world – such caring, humble and dignified human beings even at the peak of their achievements and much beyond, are indeed rare, and always inspiring – May the life he led continue to inspire millions of others, and may his soul rest in peace.
It’s a very sad News. His period at the helm was full of action – liberalisation of Indian economy, change of leadership at several Tata Companies, change of business climate in which Tata Group evolved to a set of new businesses shredding old ones, TCS reaching Everest like heights and Tata Motors truly becoming a global leader in auto industry. He retired gracefully and continued to contribute including to the startup world. He stayed with basic values while steering through all this. Tata group and the country will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
Inseparable loss to the Nation and the world. No words to express the deep regret . Praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Still processing the news… The TATA family of employees and the entire nation lost a pioneering leader and above all a great human being. May his soul rest in peace
Sad day for all of us and for the whole nation . May his soul attain mukti
Sir Ratan Tatas legacy will inspire future generations. We pray Lord Almighty for this Noble Soul to live in peace
I am heartbroken. He will always be my first role model. He was my hero much before I joined TCS.
He was an icon for the Indian Industry as well as an idol for what a world global industry leader be in philanthropy and impact on the society. May his soul rest in peace
A legend no more. May his soul rest in peace and the values the family instilled continue to be with the TATA group.
Mr Tata steered the group globalization journey. Known for taking big bets and making it work. Made lasting impact on the country and the Tata Group. May his soul RIP
Such an immense loss to the industry and nation – his legacy will continue to inspire us and generations to come. May his soul find peace in divine embrace.
I did not have the privilege of interacting with Mr Tata but had the opportunity to listen to him. He had visited TRDDC many years ago – which was a pleasant surprise for us – TRDDC was just a tiny drop in the huge ocean. He addressed us and made one remark which changed a lot of things for us. He mentioned that he did not hear about things like publications and patents in all our talks. From then on these two aspects got their due importance and became an integral part of our life.
RNT is indeed a role model for us – in whichever sphere we transact. Understated, large in vision and ever mindful of the wellbeing of other souls – whether human or not. May his soul rest in peace. Such souls continue to live on in the hearts of those they touched! 🙏🏼
