DEEPAK PAREKH
Former chairman, HDFC
Ratan Tata has manifested his flair and the Tata philosophy through the years he has been at the helm of the Tata group of companies. Many Tata businesses grew into global giants, many took on new perspectives and several new ones were established. Through the nebulous Indian political and economic scenario, Ratan forged resolutely ahead, consolidating a group that serves as a veritable benchmark for Indian industry.
My association with Ratan pivots on the formation of the Investment Commission instituted by the government to facilitate foreign investors to bring technology and industry to India. Ratan chaired the commission of which I was one of the members along with Dr Ashok Ganguly.
Those Monday evening meetings when we deliberated and met with investors gave me a true insight to the man. Always astute, forthright and clear in his vision for India, he steered the commission to achieve what we did, in often challenging scenarios.
This was when I really got to know Ratan, despite the fact that I had interacted with him at board meetings of Indian Hotels where I continue to be a director.
DEEPAK PAREKH
Former chairman, HDFC
Ratan’s penchant for flying an aircraft is well-known and perhaps it harks back to his family’s association with taking to the skies. As part of the Investment Commission brief, we often flew to Delhi and other destinations in his plane, with Ratan in the cockpit, controls in hand, especially during take-off and landing. Being the anxious flyer that I am, I felt safer with him sitting in the cabin with us, however accomplished he may be with flight controls! But he calmly did his cockpit time and was often amused by my discomfort.
There is a vulnerable side to Ratan, which was sharply evident when the flagship Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai was under siege. Here was a monument desecrated and violated in the crudest fashion and there stood an individual who showed his steel and mettle by obliterating ravage and resurrecting the Taj’s unconquerable spirit. Ratan and the Taj survived the travesty with aplomb. Later there was a momentous board meeting, where we collectively took the call to bring every employee back to business and restore the calm and prestige of the Taj.