Ratan Tata: A life of generosity and ethical leadership
His death leaves a void that is hard to fill in today’s era of material seekers where the only aim of seeing everything is through the lens of profit
The art of giving has been an integral part of Indian tradition, deeply rooted in the philosophy of ‘dāna’ (charitable giving). From ancient times, Indian society has emphasised the importance of sharing wealth and resources for the collective good, viewing wealth not as personal property, but as a means for the betterment of society. In this tradition, generosity is not measured solely by the material value of the gift but by the spirit behind it. This philosophy of giving finds resonance in the actions of some of India’s most revered industrialists, particularly Ratan Tata, whose life exemplifies the modern expression of ‘dāna’ and trusteeship.
This giant titan breathed his last on October 10. He was 86. An entire nation mourned his death, not because he was rich – perhaps, the richest – but because he was ‘good’, ‘humane’, and above all ‘dynamic’ in his approach towards life and professionalism.
Ratan Tata, much like his illustrious forebears, carried forward the enduring legacy of the Tata family’s deep commitment to philanthropy. His belief in using wealth as a force for social good resonates with ancient Indian values and the Gandhian principle of trusteeship.
Mahatma Gandhi envisioned wealth as a trust, where the affluent are merely stewards responsible for utilising their resources in service of humanity. This philosophy finds a clear reflection in Ratan Tata’s approach to both business and philanthropy.
Under his visionary leadership, the Tata Group has not only expanded its global business empire but also made significant contributions to transformative social causes. Education, healthcare, rural development, and environmental sustainability have all been key areas where his generosity has left an indelible mark. By channelling resources into initiatives that uplift society, Ratan Tata continued to embody the spirit of trusteeship, creating a lasting legacy that transcends profit and touches lives in meaningful ways.
A notable instance that reflects Tata’s alignment with the spirit of ‘dāna’ was his response to Dr. Savita Singh, former Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, who had sent him a copy of her book on ‘Satyagraha’.
The year was 2007. Dr. Singh reflects that Ratan Tata responded with a gesture that transcended mere acknowledgment of the book. Upon receiving the book, a thank you letter reached her. A request soon followed from his office for 100 copies of the ‘Satyagraha’ book. When Dr. Singh sent the copies and received a cheque for ₹1,00,000, far exceeding the actual cost of ₹40,700, she promptly contacted Tata’s office, informing them of the overpayment. The response was profound – Tata’s office conveyed that the cheque was not for the books but for the cause. Ratan Tata had contributed the extra amount for the broader mission of promoting Gandhian values, a principle he held dear. They conveyed, as Dr. Savita Singh remembers, ‘to use it for good cause’. The money was later used for the restoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s basic school in Bettiah, Champaran, in Bihar, a gesture that perfectly embodied the trusteeship principle that Mahatma Gandhi envisioned.
This incident mirrors a much earlier act of giving from the Tata family. In 1913, Dorabji Tata, Ratan Tata’s predecessor, sent ₹25,000 to Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa to support the ‘Satyagraha’ movement. This donation was significant, not just for the amount, which was substantial at the time, but for the solidarity it symbolized with Gandhi’s struggle against racial injustice. It demonstrated the Tata family’s early commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and trusteeship – a commitment that Ratan Tata has carried forward in his lifetime.
Dorabji Tata’s gesture wasn’t just an act of charity but a commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and the well-being of all, aligning with Gandhi’s ideals of trusteeship. Tata believed that wealth should be held in trust for the benefit of society, a principle, Gandhi also championed. Ratan Tata’s philanthropic vision remains rooted in this larger tradition of ‘dāna’. His contributions to healthcare, such as the establishment of cancer hospitals, or his investment in education, like supporting underprivileged students with scholarships, are not just corporate social responsibilities – they are expressions of a deep personal belief in the power of giving.
In an age of rising inequality, where wealth often remains concentrated in the hands of a few, Ratan Tata stood as a beacon of ethical leadership and compassionate capitalism. Rata Tata frequently quoted his family’s values, particularly the legacy of Jamsetji Tata, who believed that “in a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder but is, in fact, the very purpose of its existence.”
Unlike many other industrialists, Ratan Tata has chosen to channel his resources into foundations and trusts, ensuring that much of his wealth is directed toward social causes. The ‘Tata Trusts’ – which he chaired – control over 66% of the equity capital of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, and the dividends from this equity, fund the Trusts’ wide-ranging philanthropic initiatives. This model makes the Tata Trusts one of the largest charitable organizations in India, with its work spanning healthcare, education, rural development, and scientific research.
It is poignant to mention that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tata was among the first to act decisively. He announced ₹1,500 crore in donations toward efforts to combat the pandemic. His contributions aimed to strengthen medical infrastructure, including providing protective gear for frontline workers and ventilators to hospitals across India. This swift response underscores his commitment to the nation’s well-being and reflects his vision of using wealth to serve humanity in times of crisis. Not only this, it was during COVID- 20, Tata Trusts pledged a generous ₹75 crore to support online education and digital learning tools for underprivileged children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were shut, and digital access became essential.
Ratan Naval Tata (December 28, 1937 – October 9, 2024) is gone. For many, this is an unbelievable – rather unacceptable – news. His death leaves a void that is hard to fill in today’s era of material seekers where the only aim of seeing everything is through the lens of profit, at the cost of mental health, and sometimes at the cost of human life due to excessive stress. The least others can do is take some lessons from the life of this gentleman and philanthropist businessman.
Farewell, Sir!
