Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV.
Ratan Tata is no more. How to call this ‘Ratan’ as ‘Tata’? How to say goodbye to this great son of India? How to believe that Ratan Tata is no more in this world? Ratan Tata’s work and name are so big that if you look around you will feel his presence everywhere. AC is from Tata, TV is from Tata, Tea-coffee is from Tata, everything from car to airline is from Tata, hotels and hospitals are from Tata, cancer treatment is from Tata, research is from Tata, be it steel or telecom, you will get Tata in every field. Will get presence. That is why Ratan Tata cannot go anywhere, you will see him every day, you will find him here. Ratan Tata was not just a businessman. He was not just the leader of Tata Group. Ratan Tata was an institution, an idea. Ratan Tata was associated with the lives of all of us in some way or the other. He was a role model for industrialists, an inspiration for the youth, and a messiah for the poor. Ratan Tata expanded the Tata Group across the world. The country was already eating Tata’s salt, but Ratan Tata brought Tata’s tea to the kitchens of every home. Ratan Tata showed the dream of a car to the middle class. Ratan Tata made India’s automobile sector international. From mineral water to Vistara Air Line, everything belongs to Ratan Tata.
Ratan Tata was at the heights of fame, had immense wealth, but always remained connected to the ground. The spirit of humanity was such that during the Corona period, when there was no space for patients in hospitals, the doors of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai were opened for Corona patients. He was so compassionate in his heart that he rejected Prince Charles’s invitation to visit Birmingham Palace because his pet dog was sick. He did not want to leave her. The service price was such that the workers were being evicted from the houses of the Tata company, when the workers appealed to Ratan Tata, the houses of the company were transferred to the name of the workers. Gave them ownership rights of houses. The thinking was so big that it bought big international brands like Land Rover and Jaguar. When Air India was in danger, it bought Air India. Ratan Tata was indeed a true gem of India. Every business he touched started spinning gold, made a lot of money, but gave a lot to charity. It is impossible to capture Ratan Tata’s personality in words. Words fall short to enumerate his qualities. Ratan Tata’s last rites were performed with full state honors but Ratan Tata will always remain in the hearts of the people.
Why are people so emotional about Ratan Tata today? Ratan Tata was an industrialist, ran a business, earned money, then why are people in every house sad about him today? This needs to be understood. His wealth did not make Ratan Tata great. He got the love of the people, because of his basic qualities. Regarding such things which are not usually found among older people. Ratan Tata was humble, never flaunted his wealth, never flaunted his power. Ratan Tata was always ready to help others. Today we got to hear many such experiences. Some asked for help to build a hospital, some for treatment, some for admission. Ratan Tata helped everyone wholeheartedly. You will get to hear many such stories. People also liked the simplicity of Ratan Tata. He used to drive his own car, no frills, no crowd. Common people saw that Ratan Tata always followed the protocol, he had no problem in going through security check and standing in the queue.
But all these were things which were visible on the surface. The thing above all this, the inner thing, was that Ratan Tata was pure at heart. He did not resort to wrong tactics in taking the business forward. To elevate his own company, he never tried to bring down any other company and all these qualities of Ratan Tata were visible in his conversations. When he used to talk to the people of the new generation, he used to tell many small things, but they were of great use. He used to tell the youth not to start business just to earn money. Start a business to create your own identity. Such words of Ratan Tata used to reach into the hearts of people. That’s why I said that people like Ratan Tata do not die. He always rules the hearts of people with his actions, thoughts, simplicity and personality. Always remain alive. The true tribute to Ratan Tata would be to learn something from his life and incorporate it in our own lives. (Rajat Sharma)
Watch: ‘Aaj Ki Baat, Rajat Sharma Sath’ full episode of October 10, 2024
