The Story of TATA by Peter Casey is the third book I read in 2023. First two books were more spiritual in nature and thus chose to read on business minds. It is a short 174 pager yet heavy read. Despite its title ‘1868 to 2021’, major narration is about Ratan Tata’s career also touching briefly upon his personal life. It’s totally worth reading about Ratan Tata’s Chairmanship as his era faced revolutionary changes and challenges ever. Tata Consultancy Services, Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Tetley are few examples to prove his mighty vision.
The author has interviewed many Tata veterans to pen the book. Thus it journals about much unknown challenges and failures faced by Tata Sons and also how & why they under Ratan's leadership came through it all successful. We all know Ratan Tata as an inspiring leader and a perfect business man. From Peter's perspective we get to see a simple man who feared studies, loved freedom, a devoted son, a philanthropist, an individual who pays for haircut from his own vallet or even as one who drives his car to office.
For me personally the book re-kindled few memories. Tata group is based in Mumbai and mention of places briefly took me back to care-free first job days.The book quotes 2008 terrorist attacks as a life changing incident for Ratan Tata. I could recall his public statements against the attack which also affected Taj Hotel, Mumbai. The speed at which the losses were mended and hotel reopened was truly inspiring.
Whilst working in Mumbai, I have witnessed aftermaths of 7/11 that hit the city in July 2006. During November 2008 attacks, I was in Chennai. Me and my roomies were in full attendance in front of television, watching CNN IBN(now CNN-Times18) airing the live footage of Taj and Nariman house commando operations. Velachery was flooded due to heavy rains and power was lost for more than 36 hours. When power was back, CNN was still airing the attacks but this time the news reader was reporting from the premises as they needed as many staff to be involved to broadcast 24 hours for many days. The media had then reported courageous acts of Taj crew. This book details how Taj and Tata trust under Ratan responded to it’s valorous staff.
The book also reminded how we chose the name Noel. I was in Trivandrum and was allocated for a pipeline project while expecting Noel. Trainings, browsing Economictimes.com & CNN-IBN, lunch/tea sessions with buddies was all I did those few months. Wrote few lines of code for an intranet site too. During weekends I enthusiastically watched Amir Khan’s debutant TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ season- 1.
2012 was a happening year not just for me but for Kerala and Tata group too. T.P. Chandrasekharan, founder and then leader of Revolutionary Marxist party and husband of Vadakara M.L.A(2023) K.K. Rema, was assassinated the same year. Kerala’s CPI(M) party was under fire as many of its leaders/members were interrogated or imprisoned. Kerala's media who was more focused on humans over wild animals, celebrated the news whereas myself and friends brainstormed the news over tea time. Meanwhile Ratan Tata was stepping down as Chairman. One among the possible candidates contesting towards the chair was Cyrus Mistry, then vice-chairman and winner. Even though this book doesn’t specify, I also remember reading Noel Tata, half brother of Ratan Tata as a possible candidate.
Like all expecting mothers I was searching for a name and used to Google often. I observed the name Noel. Ringed Neeraj, who was in train, traveling either from or towards Chennai. I texted as he dint pick, “How about name Noel... Noel Neeraj”. In a short while and to my surprise, he called back excited and said he liked the name. The call got disconnected but he continued to text(SMS, pre-WhatsApp days).
Four years later in 2016, Cyrus Mistry was removed from Chairmanship by the Tata board. This event was first of its kind in the history of Tata. The book gives a detailed overview of the reasons.
Initial intension was to write a review but I ended up writing few memories also. The reason, my thoughts are like a detached kite flown by winds. Thankfully mind is strongly tied to the roots and remain attached to it’s safe haven.
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