Pune: A sense of deep sorrow engulfed the Tata Motors plant in Pimpri following the news of the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata. Despite the emotional atmosphere, the plant remained fully operational on Thursday, fulfilling Ratan Tata’s longstanding wish that neither the company nor its employees should suffer in any situation.
At 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, employees across Tata Motors and other Tata Group companies in Pimpri paid their tributes to Ratan Tata in a simultaneous moment of reflection.
Ratan Tata had a strong emotional connection with the Pimpri plant, and the workers, too, shared a deep bond with him. Upon hearing the news of his passing, many employees became emotional.
In accordance with Tata's philosophy, the company continued its operations as usual. Union leaders from Tata Motors, including key officials, left for Mumbai early Thursday to attend his funeral. A condolence meeting has been scheduled at the Tata Motors plant on Friday, October 11, where the workers will collectively mourn the loss of their beloved leader.
The values Ratan Tata upheld in his interactions with the workers at the Pimpri plant are still remembered fondly. After the announcement of the Tata Nano car, the workers had requested that the plant be established in Pune.
While Ratan Tata understood their perspective, he explained the importance of setting up the plant in Singur, Kolkata, for the development of that region.
His statement, “Someone has to take the first step for those people,” continues to inspire the workers today. According to Shishupalsingh Tomar, President of the Tata Motors Employees Union, carrying forward these values is the best tribute they can offer.
Ratan Tata’s commitment to his workers was unmatched. "No one can imagine the extent of help Ratan Tata provided to his employees. Today, each of us feels like we have lost a member of our own family. His policies ensured that the company operated not for profit alone, but for the welfare of its employees.
Ratan Tata believed the company must continue to function without causing any loss to either the company or its workers. That’s why, even today, the plant remains operational, although many employees are traveling to Mumbai to pay their last respects," said Ajit Paigude, General Secretary of the Tata Motors Employees Union.