From the Chairman

Beginnings are always full of possibilities. They offer promise, expectation and hope that the journey flagged off will lead smoothly to the destination decided, and perhaps also to places discovered along the way. So it is with this maiden issue of Horizons, a magazine crafted to recount the story of the Tata Trusts and the work they do to enrich the lives of millions of Indians across the land.

People are at the heart of this story, which is also about an extraordinary vision of philanthropy. The Tata Trusts personify a philosophy of business where every member of society is a stakeholder. The year 2018 marks the sesquicentennial of the Tata group, with the first of the Tata enterprises being established in 1868 by Jamsetji Tata. The first of the Tata Trusts — the JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians — was set up in 1892, also by Jamsetji Tata. The idea and the ideals connecting the two events symbolise what being of service to the wider community meant for our Founder.

The legacy of Jamsetji Tata and those who followed in his path continues to illuminate and inspire the evolving Tata Trusts of today as we strive to make a more substantial difference in the communities we serve. Over the past few years, the Trusts have changed more substantially than at any time in their history. We are now truly a cohesive institution, a collective that is concentrated on deepening the impact of its numerous programmes and projects.

Horizons will, I hope, provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the modern-day Tata Trusts to audiences in India and around the world. My best wishes to the team behind the magazine for all their efforts.

Ratan N Tata