Ratan Tata: Picture perfect

Politeness is to human nature What Warmth is to Wax.

- R GOPAIAKRISHNAN

Arthur Schopenhauer's statement above is unquestionably appropriate for Ratan Tata. This book is about a great modern Indian business leader, Ratan Tata. The narration is authentic, based as it is on several hours of taped interviews by author Thomas Mathew with Ratan Tata and with important personalities in India and abroad. It is not clear whether the manuscript received Ratan Tata's approval. However, having been an insider to the Tata firm during the latter period ofthe book, I find that the facts pertaining to that period are generally correct, though individual interpretations of facts would differ.

The travails, personality, philosophy, and actions of Ratan Tata emerge as he truly was-understated and shy, but firm and consistent. Just as everyone is strongly influenced by family and upbringing, the strong influence of Ratan's grandmother, Navajbai Tata, is described in the early part ofthe book. Ratan refers to her as his "guiding light", who taught him the virtues of humility, and the courage to admit mistakes. The book also states that, "Lady Tata's empathy for the poor and her earnestness to alleviate their suffering left a lasting impression on Ratan Tata.. This philosophy of philanthropy still largely guides Ratan, the chairman of Tata Trusts."