Few businessmen demonstrate the zeal that he does for innovating for the bottom of the pyramid, says Adi Godrej.
When Ratan took over as chairman of the TATA group, it was a large and reputed group, but it wasn't financially as strong as it is now. During his tenure of 21 odd years as Chairman of TATA Sons, Ratan has grown the group's revenues over 13-fold by making some tough strategic choices.
He leveraged the strength of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tata Motors while getting out of businesses such as Tata Oil mills and Lakme which were not a strategic fit. His clarity of thought and vision for the group has shone through remarkably.
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Ratan Tata's journey is inspirational: Adi Godrej
Photographs: Reuters.
Another one of Ratan's great achievements is globalizing the Tata group which was by and large an Indian conglomerate.
Today, 65% of the groups' revenues come from outside India – a very significant achievement.
His bold and ambitious deals cut across geographies and scale – simultaneously surprising and impressing the world.
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Ratan Tata's journey is inspirational: Adi Godrej
Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com.
To achieve his plans, he constantly demonstrated the ability to stand up to political pressures and business bullies with a tact that is so unique to him.
The Tatas have always been respected for their social commitment besides their business acumen. Ratan has carried forward this legacy admirably.
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Ratan Tata's journey is inspirational: Adi Godrej
Photographs: Reuters.
He is a passionate philanthropist. Few businessmen demonstrate the zeal that he does for innovating for the bottom of the pyramid.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise to me that he has chosen to remain chairman on the Tata trusts and plans to continue his work for the bottom of the pyramid.
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Ratan Tata's journey is inspirational: Adi Godrej
Photographs: Reuters.
I can say with a fair amount of confidence that we can soon expect waves in the traditional concepts of philanthropy and philanthropic institutions!
I have known Ratan as a colleague and a friend. His journey as the Chairman of the Tata Group has been inspirational for all of us. I wish him all the very best as he embarks upon a new chapter of his life.
He will be missed in the business fraternity.
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