Book Review - #Tatastories: 40 Timeless Tales to Inspire You, Harish Bhat

Couple of months ago, when a central minister lashed out at big business houses, training his guns particularly on Tata Group, his rant elicited collective consternation in social circles. The reason - he blamed the Tata group for working ‘against national interests’, stopping just short of terming Tata Group as ‘anti-national’ - a term used freely these days against anyone that doesn’t toe the ruling party’s lines. When the news of his silly talk came out, it is not just corporate houses that condemned the speech. Even ordinary citizens like Yours Truly felt a sense of indignation at his outburst against the Tatas. After all, very few companies across the globe cater to the needs of people across the economic spectrum – from basic table salt to high-end luxury cars – with the kind of integrity and dedication that is the hallmark of Tata.

Not sure whether it was due to that news still being fresh in my mind, or due to seeing the lone copy of this beautifully covered book sitting cosily in the corner shelf at Crossword, I bought this book within a minute of seeing it. It was a gamble I took – of judging a book by its cover – but as always, the Tatas didn’t disappoint.

The name Tata needs little introduction. A credible conglomerate more than a century and a half old, having diverse business interests that range from table salt to tea dust, IT to automobiles, steel to luxury retail, aviation to infrastructure, Tata is a brand that people trust with their wallets and wisdom. Despite being in the business world for so long, there were seldom any scandals or scams that got associated with this reputable institution, which is why most people were surprised at the minister’s outburst.

Written as a genuine tribute by one of their longest-serving employees, the ‘stories’ are all pearls of wisdom that can inspire you to action. The book is written in glowing terms for the Tatas, but I don’t see why it shouldn’t have been. For the sake of ease, let me simplify the achievements of Tatas:

•    Tatas hold the no. 1 position in commercial vehicles market with a market share of more than 50%. But never once did they manipulate the prices or exploit the customers.
•    They designed and manufactured what is considered to be one of India’s indigenously developed passenger cars – Indica.
•    Conceived and established India’s first integrated steel plant in Jamshedpur, when India was still under British oppression.
•    When HMT was the only Indian watch brand, facing competition from global giants like Casio, Citizen and Seiko, they introduced Titan, which has gone on to become a household name.
•    One of the few companies that truly cares for employee welfare, establishing creches for working women’s benefit, way back in 1870s!
•    Established and maintained an institute for sericulture in India, which went to dust soon after Tatas shifted their focus away from it.
•    Built a dam on Indrayani river (Maharashtra) to produce electricity for Mumbai.
•    Formed and operated India’s first commercial airline service.
•    Produced India’s first supercomputer – Eka
•    Established institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Tata Memorial Hospital, National Centre for Performing Arts and National Institute of Advanced Studies, that provide yeomanly service to the people in areas of academics, arts and healthcare. Tatas’ care for environment is also legendary.

Though there are more such things that I can list here, for the sake of brevity, let me hold myself back. When a company withstands the test of Time and the tyranny of British, still serving the people of its country in ethical ways, it is bound to garner respect and reputation, which any foul-mouthed politician cannot do away by careless prattle.

If you’re keen on learning about the Tatas, their early days and ethos, this is a good book to begin with. Along the way, you will pick up some timeless wisdom that can be of use in both personal and professional lives.

Call it irony, coincidence or mere motivated perception, I finished reading this book on a day when the news of Tatas acquiring Air India back from the government was making rounds. The airline that was formed and operated by Tatas with excellence, taken over by the government once the nation became independent, ruined by incapable handling and inept ministries, now limping back home with hopes of a healthy overhaul and soaring back to the skies in superior condition.

Like always, I trust the Tatas to work their magic once again!

A.