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Ratan Tata: Leadership Exemplified in Humility

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By Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

Ratan Tata, the towering figure behind India’s most iconic business empire, has passed away at the age of 86. A name synonymous with integrity, philanthropy, and visionary leadership, he revolutionised the Tata Group, turning it from a domestic powerhouse into a global conglomerate with brands recognised worldwide. As The New York Times fittingly put it, Tata was “one of India’s most powerful and admired magnates”, a leader who not only shaped Indian industry but left an indelible mark on the world stage.

Ratan Tata earned a level of respect that few industrialists ever achieve, not just for his business acumen but for his unwavering commitment to philanthropy. For Tata, giving back to society wasn’t a mere side endeavour—it was the very essence of his leadership. He believed that true success was measured not by profits, but by the positive impact on people’s lives. Through the Tata Trusts, which control nearly two-thirds of the Tata Group’s equity, he funnelled billions of dollars into initiatives that transformed communities. From building educational institutions to advancing healthcare, his philanthropy touched millions across India and beyond, embodying a legacy of compassion and responsibility rare in the corporate world.

While drafting the National Education Policy 2020, I was often asked how I would incorporate human values into education. My answer was simple: “We can introduce students to the personalities of our greatest individuals. We can teach them the life stories of these people so they can understand how they turned challenges into opportunities.” When I mentioned names like Guru Nanak, Kabir, Swami Dayanand, Maharishi Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, I also included the name of Ratan Tata in today’s context. Somewhere, this reflects the deep respect I have for him, as he not only reached great heights in the industrial world but also made significant contributions to society and the development of the country. His humility and vision are essential to solving the challenges facing our nation.

Education Will Make India a Global Leader

Ratan Tata believed that education is the key to making India a global leader, which aligns with our goal in the National Education Policy. Ratan Tata’s contribution to education is unparalleled. Under his leadership, the Tata Trusts empowered thousands of students through education, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development. Whether it was through scholarship programmes that provided assistance to economically disadvantaged students for higher education or investments in research on diseases like Alzheimer’s at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, Mr Tata’s dedication to advancing society through education and innovation was evident. He proved that by investing in the right direction, we can empower not only individuals but society as a whole. His contributions to education, technology, healthcare, and women’s empowerment have been remarkable. He saw education not just as a means to acquire knowledge but also as a critical tool for preparing future leaders and innovators.

I have always believed that Uttarakhand holds immense potential, and the youth here possess extraordinary capabilities. The challenge before us has always been to make Uttarakhand the most developed state in the country. It was a coincidence that during my tenure as Chief Minister, as we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the state’s founding, we were also drafting a strategy (Vision 2020) to transform Uttarakhand into a model state. It was a significant goal, and for that, we launched a campaign to connect with educators, economists, leading industrialists, and policymakers from across the nation and around the world. I had always hoped that Ratan Tata would guide us.

In 2010, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s statehood, we organised a lecture series on the theme “India in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges”. I decided to invite Ratan Tata as the speaker. Many of my colleagues were sceptical, thinking that such a prominent industrialist, who is extremely busy both in India and abroad, might not come. But I had faith that if he was invited to guide the development journey of the state, he would surely accept. I personally extended the invitation, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable decisions of my life. Not only did Ratan Tata, in his characteristic humility, give us his time, but he also encouraged us to move forward. He was the keynote speaker at the lecture. The day he took the stage and shared his thoughts was a moment that left an indelible mark on Uttarakhand’s history. His ideas were not just inspiring; they clearly defined the future path for both the state and the country.

India’s Full Potential to Become a Global Economic Superpower

I still vividly remember the moment when Ratan Tata began his speech, saying, “India has full potential to become a global economic superpower, but we must develop our infrastructure and fight corruption.” He didn’t just talk about the challenges but also emphasised the opportunities that could make India an economic powerhouse. His words reflected the confidence of a true leader and visionary. At that time, he described India as a ‘tiger’ that had once been caged by the Licence Raj but was now free and ready to rule the world. Today, as India scales new heights of success on the global stage, Ratan Tata’s prophecy seems to be coming true word for word.

A poignant moment during the lecture showcased his humility when Ratan Tata, after decades, met Uttarakhand’s former Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari. Before stepping onto the stage, he spotted Mr Tiwari and immediately went over to embrace him. From the stage, he said, “I am very happy to be here on this sacred land among all of you, and I am meeting Mr Tiwari, who was a friend of my father, after 30 years.” This was not just a meeting of two great personalities; it was a bridge between the past and the present, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Youth: The Nation’s Greatest Asset

In his lecture, Ratan Tata referred to India’s youth population as the country’s greatest asset and predicted that India would soon become the “factory of human resources”. He pointed out that while China may be ahead in economic development, India’s youth will make the country even stronger in the coming years. This was a testament to his visionary leadership and deep understanding. Ratan Tata had a special connection with Uttarakhand. He always appreciated the state’s natural beauty and resources, saying, “We have the Himalayas, vast land, and oceans. We just need to think about how to use these resources properly and face the upcoming challenges.” His words inspired us to work even harder towards making Uttarakhand a prosperous and self-reliant state. His lecture not only gave me but also the entire state a new direction. It was a moment that instilled in us the belief that with the right leadership and vision, no challenge is too big.

In this historic lecture, Ratan Tata also emphasised the immense development potential of Uttarakhand. He said that one day, the state would make great progress. Regarding the central government’s economic package, he mentioned that it wouldn’t be of much benefit, but the Tata group would continue to expand its presence in Uttarakhand. Soon after, he sent his delegation to Dehradun, where senior officials from the company discussed contract farming, investment in technology, tourism and health tourism, hydro projects, and affordable housing projects. This was proof of his commitment and foresight for the state’s development, which motivated us to work towards making Uttarakhand a prosperous and stable state.

When I spoke with Ratan Tata about the development of Uttarakhand, his perspective was very practical and profound. He discussed the challenges facing the country in detail. He emphasised the need to provide appropriate employment to the population and said that in order to advance the concept of development, environmental concerns must be addressed. He also spoke extensively about housing issues for the common man and the decline in agricultural production. According to him, land acquisition for industries is a major challenge in the country, and the instability in neighbouring countries poses a serious threat to our security. Listening to him, I realised how important it is to have such visionary leadership to guide the development of our state in the right direction. He stressed the importance of advancing development while protecting the environment. Reflecting on the Mumbai terrorist attacks, he criticised the government’s response and said that, if commandos had been deployed in time, the damage could have been minimised. These events helped me understand the importance of making the right decisions, no matter how difficult the challenges may be. In this historic lecture, Ratan Tata emphasised the immense development potential of Uttarakhand, stating that this state, with its natural resources and skilled human resources, is capable of carving out a unique place in the country.

An Unwavering Commitment to a Better Society

Tata’s belief that India’s greatest asset lies in its youth continues to inspire us today. His legacy and values have paved the way for future generations to be empowered, and his contributions will always guide our education system and society. His ideas still resonate in Uttarakhand’s progress, inspiring us to move forward. Ratan Tata may no longer be with us, but his memories, thoughts, and contributions will live on in our hearts forever. His lecture was a milestone in Uttarakhand’s history, and I can proudly say that his guidance was crucial in steering us in the right direction. Ratan Tata inspired millions, showing them a new way of life, which is why Prime Minister Modi described him as not only a visionary industrial leader but also a compassionate and extraordinary human being. The Prime Minister further stated that Tata’s contribution extended far beyond the boardroom. His humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making our society better earned him a place in the hearts of many.