Pune: Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group and a stalwart who stood for workers' welfare, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, principles, and dedication to the workforce.
Tata Motors employees expressed their deep sorrow at his passing, saying, “India has lost its jewel.”
Known for his simple lifestyle and high ideals, Ratan Tata played a key role in fostering harmony between management and workers. He was especially revered by the employees of Tata Motors for ensuring that the company’s financial losses did not affect the workforce.
His policies for workers—providing excellent wages along with educational and healthcare facilities—significantly improved the lives of Tata Motors employees and their families.
During the 1990s, as various industrial companies began establishing themselves in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Tata Motors, then known as Telco, remained steadfast in its support of workers.
The company became renowned for its “Tata Culture,” known for its excellent working conditions, punctual wage agreements, and careful planning.
Under Tata's leadership, Tata Motors provided employment to thousands, and through its comprehensive employee welfare initiatives, improved the standard of living for their families. A job at Tata Motors was seen as prestigious, especially within the middle class, and many employees have attributed their financial success, timely pay raises, overtime wages, and home ownership to Ratan Tata's policies.
Employees continue to remember Tata for their improved living conditions, with many stating, “Owning a house in Pimpri-Chinchwad was only possible because of Ratan Tata.” His emotional bond with the Tata Motors plant in Pimpri was well-known.
Workers fondly recall that after his retirement, Tata fulfilled their request to spend his last working day at the Pimpri plant, where he met with thousands of workers from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. He even had lunch in the company canteen, serving himself as the workers did.
Former Tata Motors Employees Union president Sujit Patil remembered, "During my tenure, four wage agreements were completed, and Ratan Tata always stood by the workers. Even when the company faced a ₹500 crore loss, he ensured a favorable wage agreement for the employees.
His vision was unique, and he never compromised his principles. Due to his leadership, 99% of the workers were able to own homes. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, salaries were paid on time, and healthcare facilities were provided."
Another former union president, Vishnu Newale, added, "Ratan Tata built and grew the business with the workers at the center of it all. On his last day as chairman, he spent it here with the workers, having lunch with them like one of them.
We may not have seen God, but for us, he was a divine figure. His photograph is still kept in our homes for prayers. Though he was never listed in Forbes, he told us, 'I don’t want to be rich, I want to help every Indian become rich.'"
