Ratan Tata Reflects on Taking Over Tata Group from JRD Tata
Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, shared insights into how he was chosen to lead the Tata Group in March 1991. In a 1997 interview on the show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Ratan Tata recounted the moment JRD Tata, who was then the head of the group, asked him to take over the reins of the company. JRD Tata was facing heart issues at the time and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai when he made the decision.
“We were together in Jamshedpur for an event, and I had to fly to Stuttgart for some negotiations. When I returned, I found out that JRD had suffered a heart problem and was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital. He was there for about a week, and I visited him every day,” Ratan Tata recalled.
The Moment JRD Asked Ratan Tata to Lead
Ratan Tata remembered a pivotal conversation with JRD Tata shortly after his recovery. He described how JRD called him into the office on a Monday after being discharged from the hospital. “He started the meeting as he always did, asking, ‘Well, what’s new?’ I responded, ‘J, I’ve been seeing you every day, so nothing new since I last saw you.’ Then he said, ‘Well, I have something new to tell you. Sit down.’ He went on to explain that his recent health issues had made him realize it was time to step down, and he decided that I should take his place,” Ratan Tata shared.
JRD Tata took the proposal to the board a few days later, and in March 1991, Ratan Tata officially became the Chairman of Tata Group.
An Emotional Moment for Tata Group
While Ratan Tata couldn’t remember the exact date of the board meeting, Simi Garewal suggested it took place on March 25, 1991. Ratan Tata reflected on how deeply moved everyone was during the meeting when JRD officially stepped down after leading the group for 40 to 50 years. “Many of my colleagues have said that it felt like history was being made that day. There was a lot of emotion, not just because he was stepping down, but because of the way he recounted his experiences. He reminisced about his journey with Tata, but never praised himself—just shared his experiences,” Ratan Tata said.
The transition marked the end of an era for Tata Group but also signaled the beginning of a new chapter under Ratan Tata’s leadership.
JRD Tata’s Influence on Ratan Tata
When asked about the lessons he learned from JRD Tata, Ratan Tata highlighted his mentor’s strong sense of justice and simplicity. “His value system, his humility, and his sense of fairness have stayed with me, and I hope to carry them forward, even if only half as well,” Ratan Tata expressed.
Ratan Tata’s Legacy
Ratan Tata, 86, passed away on Wednesday night after being in critical condition at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His passing has led to a resurgence of interest in his interviews, including the one where he detailed his rise to leadership. Ratan Tata’s legacy of business excellence, integrity, and philanthropy continues to inspire many, as the world reflects on his remarkable contributions to both industry and society.
