While Jamshedji Tata is hailed as the "Father of Indian Industry", J. R. D. Tata is widely remembered as the "Architect of India's Industrial Revolution".
Sometimes, it takes just one visionary person to change the fortune of an entire country. For India, during the 20th century, that person was Jehangir Ratanji Dadabdoy Tata - popularly known as J. R. D. Tata. Being a man of remarkable ambition, he led the Tata Group to flourish enormously across various sectors, bringing an industrial revolution to India. From information technology to infrastructure to automobiles to aviation to healthcare and more - his legacy is still evident in almost every sector in the country today.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Jawaharlal Nehru and JRD Tata in New Delhi, October 28, 1958
More than his business strategies, it was his commitment to societal welfare that set him apart. Throughout his career, he remained true to Tatas' philosophy, which is to serve society. Hence, it goes without saying that wherever India stands today owes a lot to him.
"No success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people and is achieved by fair and honest means." - J. R. D. Tata
It's J. R. D. Tata's 120th birth anniversary today. On this occasion, let's discuss how he brought the industrial revolution to India.
J. R. D. Tata was a man of vision as well as wisdom ever since his childhood. After completing his studies, he joined Tata Sons as an unpaid apprentice in 1925. Meanwhile, he also nurtured his passion for flying and obtained the first license issued in India within a few years. He founded India's first commercial airline, Tata Airlines (now Air India), in 1932, and went on to be known as the Father of Indian Civil Aviation.
J.R. D. Tata and Dr. Bhabha at the laying of the foundation stone of Tata Theatre by JRD Tata on April 17, 1976
In 1938, he was elected as the chairman of the Tata Group. The rest, as they say, is history!
He served as the chairman of Tata Group for over four decades, leading the company (and consequently, India) to unprecedented heights. Recognizing the importance of diversification, he expanded the Group to several sectors including engineering, steel, power, and chemicals.
He founded Tata Motors in 1945 which became India's first indigenously manufactured automobile company with a diverse product portfolio. It currently has auto manufacturing and vehicle plants in Jamshedpur, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Sanand, Dharwad, and Pune in India, contributing enormously to the country's overall economy. He launched Air India International in 1948 as India's first international airline. And in 1968, he founded the Tata Computer Center (now known as Tata Consultancy Service/TCS), reigning supreme in the field of information technology as well. With time, this company became a force to be reckoned with, operating in hundreds of locations across the world.
JRD Tata with India’s then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Jamshedpur
Besides, he also founded Titan Industries, Tata Salt, Voltas, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and more, helping India flourish in different sectors.
When J. R. D. Tata retired, the Tata Group had 95 enterprises. Under his leadership, the conglomerate's assets grew from US$100 million to over US$5 billion.
Throughout his career, he maintained high ethical standards and commitment to employees' welfare.
For his contributions to India's industrial scene, he was awarded two of the country's highest civilian awards: the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna.
Jehangir Ratanji Dadabdoy Tata was truly an extraordinary figure. Even after so many years since his demise, his name continues to inspire one and all to dream big and out-of-the-box!
