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Farewell Ratan Tata!
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The curtain came down on the career of one of the most illustrious of Indian industrialists when Ratan N Tata called it a day on December 28, 2012 and handed over the baton of leadership of the Tata Group to Cyrus Mistry
He was way ahead in that thought process and while this was something the western world had already done, it had proven successful, economical and also very reliable. Sadly, so many of his peers laughed at the very thought and now two decades later there is again such talk, but now from those who were the disbelievers! Also talk about synergies of shared development and such he was in the forefront of trying to initiate this with such diverse auto makers as Peugeot-Citroen for executive mid-size sedans, even the VW Group for a range of all-monocoque vans and of course that joint venture with Honda which many vested interests within the industry and the powers that be didn’t allow to take shape.
All these could have demoralised a lesser human being but through it all Ratan Tata never stopped trying, and in a certain way went ahead and re-invented the wheel, at great cost to self and group but which today is a solidly established business.
I used the word nation-builder in my opening remarks and it is in this light that I feel his legacy should be remembered. A principled man to the core, he never even once called me or pulled us up when we panned the original Indica for its shortcomings (and not its concept) when I headed Overdrive magazine, then part of Tata Infomedia Ltd, when the obvious Indian way to do things could have been just otherwise!
Maybe being an automobile aficionado had much to do with this as also his love for things mechanical as well as those associated with movement. His love of flying, his eye for artistry and his flair for technological brilliance were other aspects that impressed but more than that his idealistic nature never came in the way of his interactions across all segments of society. Never one for pomp or ceremony, Ratan N Tata merged old world values and tradition and made them relevant to revel in the present. To say he will be missed would be a massive understatement but I do believe, fervently at that, you can’t keep a good man out and in his next innings I am sure we will hear even more of the great nation builder that he is!
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Readers' opinions ( 8 )
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Vish
There are few people in our country who inspire such great admiration within and outside... As an ex-Tata employee, I know a little bit more about this outstanding gentleman who has brought name, fame and glory to our country through his ethical and competent leadership. Hats off to you Sir, and may India see many more of your kind.
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RS Margam
When you took over without much fanfare my dad was a new employee at a Tata firm (now part of TCS) . He was fiercely loyal to the values that TATA stood for. I did not understand then but I do now. When we were at Cornell University last year,we were shown around the campus and the Nano on display at their Science Centre, with extra love by a senior alumnus because they were terribly proud of you, and because I was your countryman. Thank you SIr, for being someone who brought us so much recognition and respect. We shall celebrate your accomplishments by running the extra mile - doing the right thing just as you did, even when no one was looking!
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Parshuram Gautampurkar
It was, in fact the Ratan Tata , who fulfilled the dream of an Indian common man of owning his own, a four wheeler within his small budget. And so it was the reason that Nano with all it`s all version became so popular. It has enabled a common man to go with his family together in one vehicle that too of dignity.RT`s vision to set up a common engine program was also a sort of new invention which proved fruitful to four wheeler automobile vehicle manufacturers.P.Gautampurkar,Sawai Madhopur,Rajasthan
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H. Dadlani
A very well earned farewell to you Shri Ratan ji . Though Cyrus may not be able to fit into your shoes , I'm sure that you have set such a goodmark in India ( and Pune, of course ) that will never be forgotten for decades .All the Best . We hope you do enjoy yr retirementwith family and friends.
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Luc Adriaenssen
Please allow a non-Indian to join in the concert of admirers and well-wishers.I had the enormous privilege to meet Mr Tata on four occasions, which I count as the most impressive of my modest career.Thank you for that, thank you for being the model you are for millions of your country-men and for me.God bless you Sir.
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