Remembering the True Jewel of Indian Industry – an Unparalleled Business Leader

Remembering the True Jewel of Indian Industry – an Unparalleled Business Leader By Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President – All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, WTC Mumbai With a deep sense of loss, I would like to pay rich tribute to Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Tata, whose demise marks an era in Indian industry. Today, I remember fondly one of the finest human beings, a rare breed of honest industrialist who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian economy.  He was instrumental in transforming the Tata Group by launching several new initiatives and expanding into new sectors. Under his leadership, the Tata Group acquired various companies in India and abroad, some of the notably being Tetley, Jaguar and Corus, which transformed Tata Group. The year 2004 was a landmark period for the Tata Group as its group company TCS successfully went public with the Initial Public Offering (IPO), which dramatically transformed the outlook of the entire group. India has lost a true jewel in the crown of its business landscape as Shri Ratan Tata has played has made unparalleled contribution in taking Indian brands global, bringing foreign investments into India, generating employment, livelihood and spearheading community & rural development. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to India’s industrial development, exports, employment and philanthropic work, I suggest Government of India to honour him posthumously with the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna. His demise is an irreparable loss for the entire country as he not only catapulted the Indian industry to new heights, but also touched countless hearts with his philanthropic work. He is admired by everyone for his simplicity, responsible leadership and foresight. Through his visionary ideas and high degree of moral standards, Shri Ratan Tata lives forever as an inspiration to many. His spirit will always guide us and the nation for overall socio-economic progress. Today, we mourn the loss of one of the finest businessmen who put the interest of the country ahead of the interest of his business. Shri Ratan Tata represented a rare breed of honest industrialists who touched the lives of millions by encouraging and uplifting the less fortunate wherever possible. Simplicity and humility have been the defining feature of his demeanor and he enjoyed a spotless reputation throughout his long professional journey. Shri Ratan Tata demonstrated business success with moral values, took Indian brands global, championed philanthropy and inspired countless young entrepreneurs with his ideas and funding. I cherish my fond memories with him as I have had the privilege of a brotherly and friendly relation with this great human being since 1987.  He is among the finest human beings and an iconic business leader who will continue to live with us as a source of inspiration. He encouraged entrepreneurs to take their business beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve. People hold him in high regard for his down-to-earth and approachable nature, who treats employees, business partners and the common man with equal vision. Shri Ratan Tata will always be remembered for his remarkable ability to adapt to changing business environments and embrace new technologies and trends. As a decisive leader and trailblazing leader, he transformed the Tata Group by taking bold decisions without fear. He solidified the edifice of the business empire with his sense of strategy, and a unique ability to identify opportunities and challenges and plan effectively for the future. Above all, Shri Ratan Tata was blessed with the character of integrity who led the Tata Group with a strong sense of social responsibility and corporate ethics. His ideas and vision will continue to shape the future of India’s corporate and industrial sector. I once again pay rich homage to a wonderful human being and an architect by profession in the true sense who touched several lives and will be missed dearly.