“Never start with diffidence. Always start with confidence”.
These were the inspirational words shared by a business legend of India, JRD Tata. Tata - a name that undoubtedly rings a loud bell in the business and economy of India. He was a great visionary ahead of his times who founded TCS, Tata motors and Air India. Let’s gear up to discover the success story of Tata, his life and achievements.
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| Indian Business Legent, JRD Tata |
The man who made Tata Group one of the most prestigious and successful industrial groups in India, was an interesting product of two continents. Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, better known as JRD Tata, was born on 29 July, 1904 in Paris, France as the second son of Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and his French wife Suzanne Briere. He did his education in Bombay, London, Paris and Japan. He also served in the French Army for one year. He married Thelma Vicaji in 1930 but the couple did not have any children.
Career :
JRD family moved to India after the death of his mother and thereafter, JRD Tata became an Indian citizen. He started working at TATA, his cousin’s company as an unpaid intern. He became the chairman in 1938 at an young age of 34. He worked round the clock to take the TATA Group to new heights expending hospitality, power, chemical, engineering and steel.
Accomplishments :
Under JRD Tata’s leadership and able guidance, Tata group took from US$ 100 million net worth to a staggering US$ 5 billion and set up close to 100 enterprises.
This business tycoon was also India’s first licensed pilot. He was appointed as the director of Indian Airlines and chairperson of Air India in 1953 and retained the position for a glorious 25 years.
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| India's first licensed pilot, JRD Tata |
He was also a member of ‘Sir Dorabji Tata Trust’ which set up the first cancer hospital in India. The city of Jamshedpur set up by him is now a model town of every business today. He founded some of the most profitable businesses of the Tata Group, Tata Motors, TCS, Titan Industries, Tata Tea and Air India.
JRD Tata’s contributions and focus on each and every aspect of Tata Industries took them to the helm of success. He served as the chairman of Tata group for over a period of 50 years making it India’s best known global brand.
Awards and Honours :
JRD Tata was the proud recipient of several international awards for Aviation including the Tony Jannus Award and Padmabhushana. In 1983 he was awarded the French Legion of Honour and in 1992, he was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna for his selfless service towards humanity.
Conclusion :
JRD Tata died in Geneva, Switzerland at the age of 89 of a kidney infection. He lived within his means as a common man with no extra expense on luxury. More than being just a successful businessman, he played a very active role in making the Indian society better.
JRD Tata once remarked in an interview “I believe that a leader’s main responsibility is to inspire respect”. He sure earned it and we are bound to salute his service.
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