It has been a year since Ratan Tata passed away, yet his personality continues to impact us in several ways, owing to all he did over the course of his tenure as chairman of Tata Sons and the de facto chairman of all Tata Trusts. He touched the lives of millions, uplifted families, set standards, and contributed to societal and nation-building like no other industrialist with the possible exception of the founder of the group, Jamsetji Tata. With great distinction, he helmed the group during the toughest phase encountered by the conglomerate, and he was a vanguard for the nation in its endeavour to adapt to change in a competitive world.

The sterling manner in which he shepherded the group through India’s 1991 economic reforms surpassed virtually everyone’s imagination. When he took over the reins of the group, Tata companies faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, though not many truly understood the depth of the crises.

The companies that flourished under a protective environment were thrown into the vortex of a competitive environment made more perilous by the entry of multinationals, which looked to snap up storied Indian companies. Combined with this looming danger was the urgent need to prepare companies unused to fierce competition, pull up their socks and set their house in........

© Indian Express