Ratan Tata, a man for all seasons: An apostle of culture, a great entrepreneur

Ratan Tata's lasting legacy is the principles he inherited and carried on.

In 1962, Fred Zinnemann’s magnum opus, A Man for all Seasons, swept the Academy awards. It depicted the final years of Sir Thomas More, the 16th Century, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas More was also an English lawyer, judge, theologian and noted Renaissance humanist.

More is the ultimate man of conscience, remaining true to his principles and religion even under extenuating circumstances. He refused to sign a letter asking Pope Clement to annul the marriage of Henry VIII to England’s Catherine of Aragon, because she did not bear him a son. Without annulment the King could not remarry.

Similarly he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy declaring Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England and thereby facilitating the English church’s separation from the Catholic Church. He was convicted of treason on what he stated was false evidence, and was executed. Principle over expedience.

Our beloved Ratan Tata, was such a man -- A man for all seasons.

“Culture will eat Strategy for breakfast”, said Peter Drucker. Ratan Tata was a true apostle of the Tata culture and values. He was the conscience of India Inc. Yet, he also was a great entrepreneur.

He was the first major industrialist to understand globalization. In rapid succession he made deals for Corus and JLR. He understood the upcoming rise of the great Indian middle class and promoted businesses that became household names -- Titan, Trent and Tata Consumer.

India’s strengths in technology were furthered by impressive performance in Tata companies ranging from TCS, Tata Elxsi to Tata Technologies and Tata Communication.

Also read | How Ratan Tata wanted the world to remember him

He personally likened Tata Sons to the much admired Berkshire Hathaway. A decentralized model, differentiated businesses but knitted together seamlessly, by a web of trust and a philosophy -- deliver value for all stakeholders.

The Tata Finance imbroglio in 2000, threatened the “trust” in the Tata brand. He immediately stepped in, took full responsibility and made full restitution. He demonstrated, through his actions, that trust is earned every day and not to be taken for granted.

One of my favourite prayers is by Saint Francis of Assisi. He concludes his Prayer for Peace by writing, “for it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that one awakens to eternal life.”

Ratan Tata was an able crusader and path breaker for the Tata way. The principles he inherited and carried on will continue to illuminate our journey. That is his lasting legacy. RIP to a true national icon.

Ramesh Damani is a veteran investor and BSE Member