Thrishanth B J
II CIVIL
Growing up, I always admired people who not only achieved great things but did so with kindness and integrity. For me, Ratan Tata is one of those rare figures who’s not just a business icon but a role model for living with purpose and humility.
Ratan Tata’s journey started with challenges many wouldn’t expect from someone in his position. He was born into the Tata family, but he faced struggles early on, especially after his parents separated. He and his brother were raised by their grandmother, and she became a strong influence in his life. Even with the emotional hardships, he grew up with a sense of grounding and compassion. That early experience, I believe, gave him the empathy and humility that we all see in him today.
He studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University and later attended Harvard Business School. I find it inspiring that he didn’t just study business from the start. His architectural background shows he had an eye for creating things that last, both literally and figuratively. I think this foundation, combining creativity with strategy, really shaped him for the role he would later take on in Tata Group.
When he became Chairman in 1991, a lot of people doubted if he was the right person to lead Tata Group. But he proved himself quickly. Under his leadership, Tata made bold moves, buying companies like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus Steel, and taking Tata global. What stands out to me is that he wasn’t just focused on profit; he cared about the reputation of Tata and its impact on society. His choices were always about building trust and creating value that went beyond numbers.
One story that resonates with me is his friendship with Shantanu Naidu. Shantanu, a young Tata employee, invented a collar for stray dogs to make them visible at night, and Ratan Tata not only supported this project but saw something special in Shantanu. Their connection goes beyond age or titles; it’s a real friendship based on shared values and a love for helping others. Ratan Tata even made Shantanu his assistant, and together they were working on meaningful projects. It’s inspiring to see someone as accomplished as Ratan Tata valuing a young person’s compassion and ideas, treating him not just as an employee but as a friend.
As I study civil engineering, I can’t help but think about how I want to carry forward some of the values Ratan Tata lived by. His journey shows that true success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about leaving a positive impact and lifting others as we rise. Ratan Tata’s life teaches me that compassion and integrity aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential qualities that define real greatness. He’s someone I look up to not just as a businessman but as a human being who’s lived a life worth emulating.
