Oral History of Ratan Tata

Interviewed by Uday Kapoor on 2017-01-19 in Mumbai, India X8072.2017
© Computer History Museum
This interview reflects the life history of Mr. Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons who took control of the Tata group of companies from his predecessor, Mr. J.R.D. Tata, winner of the highest Indian civilian medal. During Ratan Tata's tenure of about two decades, he transformed it into the largest Indian multinational with a growth of more than 50-fold in total revenue to $100 billion.
This is remarkable because Ratan Tata, through his leadership, changed the structure of the Tata Group of companies, overcoming resistance from senior executives, and thrusting the Tata Group into high technology domains, dramatically changing Tata's global presence while re-branding the name of the large Tata Group.
Tata achieved this while adhering to the high ethical values of the Tata legacy and won many prestigious international awards: Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the Legion d'honneur by the French Government, among others. He serves on numerous boards and continues to drive philanthropic initiatives, the true legacy of the Tatas.
Note: Transcripts represent what was said in the interview. However, to enhance meaning or add clarification, interviewees have the opportunity to modify this text afterward. This may result in discrepancies between the transcript and the video. Please refer to the transcript for further information - www.computerhis...
Visit computerhistory.org/collections/oralhistories/ for more information about the Computer History Museum's Oral History Collection.
Lot number: X8072.2017
Catalog number: 102717293

[@Mello488]

I am not Indian and did not know much about Sir Ratan Tata. However, after his death I came to know so much about him and it pained me so much that I felt like I had lost someone I should have known long ago. He is truly a GEM and a Kohinoor of India and also of humanity. I have just fallen in love for the first time with someone who is not on this earth. I found him to be a symbol of gentlemanliness, empathy, respect, integrity, nationalism, honesty and sincerity. I wonder why a noble person like Sir Ratan who has done so much for his country and his countrymen is not honoured with the highest award of the country !!! Sad ! Many Tom and Jerry of Bullywood get honoured for one thing or the other. Nevertheless, I hope that the TATA Company will produce many more Ratan Sirs who will continue to follow and adopt his example. Love you Sir.

[@vianiexplore123]

Man like him will take centuries to come again. He is the backbone of India and will always be.

[@hemalathasrinivasan9117]

❤

[@nandinitiwari425]

I've been feeling the same as you. As if I've lost some one close to me.

[@MaltsTime]

Very much same here, i am not from India, but really falling in love with the gem person with soo much Kindness, Humble, Genuine, Respect and real Gentleman in this world that i know, or all of us may feel the same, His love is like God's love spread like Heavenly 🥹 i never meet him in real world but... till now i felt soo much lost..😥 no words to describe...but you must be know now sir how much we all really feel about you 🙏 Love you sir, Thank you sir and Hope we can meet in the next birth.. if God send you again to this world 🙏😊🥹 we will try our best to follow ur path, ur kindness to this world, atleast the smallest thing we can do, to feed stray dogs which i love to do..but now we'll do it more with u always in our heart! 🕊❤️🙏 love you sir⚘️

[@kpushpender5681]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@priyankagoyal2271]

I don't know you personally but can't get over your death whenever I see you in any video my eyes can't stop crying for you. You were a decent and dignified human being no one can be like you on this planet. you will always be remembered and forever in our hearts.Come back soon 😞

[@joycesavel6049]

All the above spontaneous responses so empathetic n honest n honou🎉🎉ring celebrating his life. Love you Sir for your honesty n simplicity.

[@neeluswar]

Hats off to Honorable Mr Tata for sitting through for such a long time

[@IftekharSheikh-e8q]

Tata group is in all over businesses, its more inspirational than you think

[@Kuldeep-vb8mi]

There are people who are rich. There are people who are rich inside. He has both qualities. One in a century man.

[@manish__sehrawat00]

The End of the Era RIP SIR🙏🙏 Goodbyes are not the end Forever remembered, forever missed

[@NOVA10993]

Sir i personally don't know you. But i feels like i lost someone is so close to me. We're so thankful what have you done for us. After Sushant singh you're the one who's d*ath make me emotional. Where ever you go i wish you live in peace. Om Shanti🌼

[@Keshly16]

I want to go to India, fake my death, then somehow decrease my height. That way, the stalkers wouldn't be Able to find me so quickly.

[@riasharma3927]

I am from Tatanagar and I am extremely proud of him. Jamshedpur is backbone of Tata steel.

[@naam_h_ag]

Contact me

[@deepakrs_007]

Tata steel is backbone of Jamshedpur.

[@whoknows4756]

@@deepakrs_007 yUP....THANKS FOR CORRECTING THE INITIAL THREAD...

[@himanshoosahada6210]

Jamshedpur is because of Tata Steel.

[@niharikab5202]

Jamshedpur is very beautiful city

[@elonmusk2367]

I met with Tata in Germany and he is such a great men .......... I love his humanity and hospitality

[@amaytv7205]

Wow !!!!

[@snehalatanayar3063]

I don't know you personally but yes my eyes filled with tears wen I c your pic or reels

[@petterparker5396]

❤He is the real ratan of bharat❤

[@rohitshetty3938]

How can a person dislike this video........ Tata company is a blessing to our nation 🙏

[@Matiaresther]

Bendiciones

[@Clentical]

He will always be greatest among everyone. Tears come into my eyes wheever i see Mr tata interview. Humble and dignified Gentleman

[@lilywong7384]

I am Malaysian. I happen to watch this KZbin channel on 28/10/24by chance. I am amazed by the late Mr Ratan Tata's speech on his childhood I Bombay & his education in the US. He is very stable in his speech & he didn't fumble at all. He spoke from his heart. I respect him for his talented management of the conglomerate Tata Group.May he rest in peace & be blessed by the Almighty.

[@MohdAsif-py8hx]

I feel Proud to be Tata employee.....

[@internationalnews9751]

How much your salary is ??

[@princigarg8747]

Congetulation 🤩👏👏👏

[@joedias7946]

I guess you are satisfied with Tata s payments for your labour.

[@mayankbariar2930]

Interviewer is also from Jharkhand so the bond with Great Ratan Tata....Tata Saheb is so nostalgic about Jamshedpur...Its really enjoyable to live in Tata Nagar

[@hyd916]

I AM A PARSEE N I AM VERY PROUD OF MR. RATAN TATA. SUCH A HUMLE, EDUCATED N GENEROUS MAN ALIVE. THE POOR PARSEES HAVE SO MANY COLONIES TO STAY FOR A VERY REASONABLE RENTS. YES, THE INTERVIEVER SHOWS NO RESPECT FOR THIS LEGEND N KEEPS INTERRUPTING HIM. HE HAS SO MUCH PATIENCE FOR THIS INTERVIEW. HAND IT IT BEEN THAT SWAMY GUY, HE WOULD HAVE INSULTED THE INTERVIEWER. GOD BLESS HIM NOW N FOREVER.

[@chaitanyaatre574]

We love parsees ❤️

[@priscillaaugustine8509]

Very Humble Person,And So down to earth, very rare personality... 🙏👌👌👏👏👍❤️😇

[@dinyarjalnawalla8181]

From Baroda?

[@aumdattareya5646]

Indebted of your community sir. I hope someday parsis will reclaim Iran their motherland.

[@rakheesingh1560]

Please think of increasing your population.You people are blessing to the world

[@munindramohanta2584]

damnnn for the first few seconds i was almost sure i was staring at a picture of ratan tata!!

[@whitewolf..]

Same here man... . An era has passed away.. Rest in peace Sir in your Heavenly Palace. 😢

[@parimalapari1026]

Exactly and I thought its AI generated video motion

[@Indian-er6li]

Lots of love from Pune...so many people got employment with Tata in Pune

[@pramodkumarsharma6227]

I appeal the people to start a campaign to Confer him Bharat rattan award .and we want aratan Tata institute of technology Like m.i.t.

[@NimSonam]

@NarendraModi

[@gudiaparihar]

i am with u if u want to start

[@mona2484]

i completely support

[@basudevbasnet4166]

Yes. Completely agreed.

[@NaseemKhan-sf6kr]

Pp77777 ui jpijii ji I ji ou 99PM my i i.p.o i

[@caroldadel2921]

At the age of 81 he had sharp amazing memory

[@dheerajmishra3693]

He is so inspiring with his broad level of knowledge and extreme humility, I appeal the people to start a campaign to Confer him Bharat rattan award .and we want a Ratan Tata institute of technology Like MIT. A classic man with immense patience and humility

[@anooprana2746]

Yes we need to campaign him as much as we Indians can

[@kshama670]

👍yes I agree & I am with you. A great legend India is proud of him. He shd be conferred a Bharath Rathna award.🙏🙏

[@avinashsaroj7785]

we did government declined that

[@Martty_4]

He doesn't care for awards. He declined a dinner invitation from Prince Charles because his dog was sick. U Can imagine the class and quality of this man

[@amitkulkarni2513]

India needs to thank Tata Group for their exceptional charity done over the years

[@meditationrelaxingpeaceful5632]

A gem ❤️❤️❤️❤️ A fort of humanity and simplicity ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@avinashranjan3255]

There must be a full documentary film on Tata. I guess everybody would loves to see and would get inspired to a greater sense.

[@trishnamazumdar5192]

An Honest Entrepreneur with a heart of gold, wish to see millions and millions of companies belonging from MIGHTY TATA EMPIRE 🏙️ 🌹🌹🌹 Good luck sir 👏

[@aswanth9060]

Words are not enough to express the happiness blessing and love on you Ratanji ... lots of Love 😍😍😍

[@narayanaraoindla6643]

Urs is aptly expressed with happiness

[@timirchakraborty2094]

He is my idol.I feel proud to have served in TELCO later Tata Motors under the leadership of such a great , noble person who is our leader,Mr.Ratan Tata.A great human being who is unparalleled in this universe.

[@shashanksharma7024]

When legends speak!

[@SoumyaGanguly1234]

Legendary Sir Ratan Tata is not a businessman he is an industrialist so his opinion and thinking is much more different from others.

[@NiteshKumar-sd2cz]

He should be Prime Minister of India

[@AryanRayzan]

🤔 He is entrepreneure and sir .

[@ContaminatedWorld]

Agreed

[@shubhamsrivastava4751]

It is a very different job pm is completely different

[@sahilprajapati3801]

@@shubhamsrivastava4751 i don't think... Bcoz Donald Trump is also entrepreneur

[@shubhamsrivastava4751]

@@sahilprajapati3801 so look at the way he is managing us

[@MrAmitlawyer]

He is so inspiring with his broad level of knowledge and extreme humility...

[@BirenkumarGogoi-k1k]

Technology driven Leadership of RATAN TATA is unique and we are proud of...

[@prateek21bi]

Words fell short describing the gem of India Shri Ratan Tata Ji 🙏🙏 ..You are the inspiration to all Indians huge respect and love 🙏🙏

[@rashmi33]

Awesome

[@mayankpundir3120]

Proud to work for one of your group jewels 💎

[@rajkumarmalhotra6295]

Wow. Do not have words to describe this wonderful living legend we have on this planet earth. Hats off!

[@siddhartkapoor408]

Dear Dear Mr Ratan Tata , lovely to watch your interview, very inspirational, love to watch more of you, To speak to you is a dream , ,,

[@shivanshsharma6163]

There are legends and then there is Sir Ratan Tata... The legend of legends!

[@Blackridge.]

At your service batrol ji

[@rishabhfalke4652]

I love uh sir Ratan Tata.. I can listen to you whole dy my whole life..❤️

[@samitkumarroyifa.6931]

Really He is a classic man with immense patience and humility.

[@kersipatel1503]

Wow. I sure feel this is a true Parsee man of class and world class business ethics. They don't make people like him,anymore.

[@dhanajikatkar8964]

रतन टाटा जी हमारे भारत के वो रत्न है और हिरा है ।अगर हमारा देश चाहे तो ऐसे रत्न हिरा तो पगडी में होना चाहिए।वो पगडी देखने से पुरे देश को गर्व महसुस हो।

[@yapsk9478]

❤❤❤ no words can express the common people pains while loosing you Sir. RIP for now and come back soon, the world needs you 💖

[@WestMarshall589]

A man to whom every indian praise and pays respect. Most admired and respected business man in india. I feel proud to have this type of open minded and great person in our country. It's not easy now a days to have his kind of humans in india😂

[@yashkummar]

Ratanji I have great respect for you. How humble yet a powerful person without any ego. Wish I had an opportunity to meet you.

[@priyad2943]

big admirer of the values of Mr.Ratan tata!! such a big role model to younger genrations

[@kaprivenom5316]

Such a humble soul

[@colorsoflifert8438]

Epitome of greatness, kindness and Humility..such a great personality..no adjective can define him..

[@jonsonkharafi7617]

There is no parallel in our history as a true patriot for our country. Ratan Tata just fits in his father's shoes as the true follower. Their example of humble being is a lesson to be learnt by all fake politicians who rule our country and to be followed. *"TATA's statement about themselves is self-explanatory. Tata declared that he is an industrialist not a businessman. That makes a lot of difference in their attitude when we compare this with others like Ambanis Adanis and their kind of plunderers"* 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳.

[@sigyarthur9876]

Sir You are "Ratna", a crown jewel of independent India. Thanking you and your family for the sacrifices and the progress you brought to us.

[@rajivrajiv688]

Respect for this man who is willing to contribute his entire property for the nation.

[@gudiaparihar]

कोई इतना विनम्र इतना मासूम कैसे हो सकता है जबकि खरबों खरब की सम्पत्ति का मालिक हो. ईश्वर की अवधारणा ऐसे ही लोगों से इंसान मे आयी होगी. ईश्वर आपको हमारी उम्र भी दे.

[@mangaraju2465]

Ratanji ! What a complete human being !🙏

[@vasacad]

I wish I could meet Mr Ratan tata

[@frustratedrohit5820]

Same atleast once in my life

[@gudiaparihar]

same here

[@shyamkotecha3083]

I met him at the Taj Oberi Hotel not too long after the Jaguar Land Rover buy out

[@joedias7946]

This hero worship gone too far. Too much sucking is no good. You will wear out your tongue.

[@GUNNAMSURYATEJA]

@@gudiaparihar kzbin.info/www/bejne/gl7bZXqGaLuSfKc

[@priyapuri9290]

Such a legend. I wish we could draw inspiration from you

[@priscillaaugustine8509]

A Great Person, Very Simple,Honest, Humble Personality, Just Love Him ❤️ GOD Bless Him, And Give Him Good Health And Protect Him ❤️🙏

[@priyaroy4632]

I can listen him talking whole day

[@our_stories.06]

How calm is sir, Sir is the only man whom every child will like to meet.

[@sajeeray3417]

Legendary personality. He knows every small detail of various sections. Ratan Tata, the real gem of India!

[@deepikadeepika1928]

Good to see interview of mr.ratan tata, but interviewer was not hosting it well.

[@ankurbhutanizone6486]

Man of dignity & discipline...salute u sir....

[@charlesae1]

What a down to earth man. Look at the values of the company. They consider merit and the HR policy they adopt is amazing. When they took over Air India ,there was not a single protest. That's the power of Tatas.

[@miss.perfecto7675]

Such a noble man with no cold feelings for any one ❤️

[@sonamtsomo2060]

Lots of love and respect for sir Ratan Tata ji 🙏🙏🙏

[@kabirmd.ghulam8984]

Mr.Ratan Tata is a man of wonderful personality .He had been doing great for his community and modern India as a whole. May God bless him .

[@ogathingo8885]

Yes TATA company employees you can be proud of Sr. Ratan Tata , so can India and every human beings can try to be like him= empathy and compassionate to others….

[@rajendrasandhu7777]

Great Man remains Great and become legend and immortal...they remain morale boosters & inspiration to others. Big Salute to you Ratan Tata Sir...Bharat Ratna or not He is better than Bharat Ratna for possessing great qualities of super human being. We are lucky to have in our own life time... Stay blessed Sir.

[@pushpindeesinghsambyal1474]

Hardworking and humble person Mr Ratan Tata

[@LeenaPatil-f8t]

Sir I never seen you living in Maharashtra Mumbai But still I feel that I lost someone who is very close to my heart . I cried so many times after your death while watching you on many channels . “ RIP Sir Ratan Tataji “ India’s most Precious Diamond 💎”

[@mtalhaawais]

I had tangential awareness of Ratan Tata but never got a chance to really look into his life until now. What an inspirational male role model in a world of Andrew Tates and Elon Musks. Rest in peace.

[@Martty_4]

I wish i had a grandfather like him

[@hemagomathi]

Ratan tata sir is a great man. He is running so many companies so many families live because of him. He is a good soul .

[@laxmiputraj4241]

This is first time i saw channel always showing legend space not anchor ...i love this channel, as per the my understanding taking interview guy also legend

[@mhkhan2021]

Dear Ratan Tata Sir ; Its a greate sírprise for having me reminding you ,my unexpected mèeting at Hubli; Hotel Ashoka during 1968 or 1969.(Karnataka State.).Indeed i was held up at Hubli on my way to Bangalore on some interview.Since u did not get any accomodation anywhere I Requested u to stay; with me in the other cot as i engaged a double room.I am awefuuly sorry that I did not know U are Ratan Tata.But later i came to know on seeing ur photos in Magzines.Neither u told me who u are.as i was some what busy preparing for Interview I happened to know Tatas as my late.father Yusuf.khan .studied in Ambala tecnical institute after his Engineering.Later he joined Royal Indian Air force;during world war 2.Sir: i felt very bad later days u left to without giving me ur adďress.Anyway its over.now.Had u given me little clues of u ;my life would have been changed .Later i thought u might have come to Purchase some Coffee Estate at Marcara Tata Estate.Now i am retired.I just seen u remembered u very well.Keep it up sir.I really likes ur Simplicity .Thats why Allha has blessed u well.All the Luck sir. with regards ; Mumtaz.H.khan.Alake Road.# .no5-9-916/4.Hyder plaza,.2nd.floor.Mangalore.575003.(D.K) Karnataka.state.India.. Mob:.(.9686692968.)

[@mhkhan2021]

Sir; My father did his Engineering at Calcatta in mechanical later he was trained at Ambala in Tatas & was enrolled in Royal Indian Airforce & died in 1948.I was so sorry that I miss u well.for which i deeply regret.because of untimely death of my father & difficulties we over come since then. with high regard.sir.(m.h.khan)

[@coding8000]

I myself have used major Tata products unknowingly throughout my family life from healthcare to everythings, since childhood, Again Salute and Respect to TATA and this LEGEND

[@bhagwatilalmenaria8355]

Actually actually......... And actually only one and only person, a real hero of india.

[@rajisamudrala2949]

Mr Uday it was wonderful.....My respects to Ratanji........

[@hershsingh5850]

Hersh SINGH U.S.A.Respected mr.Ratan tata AND RESPECTED HOST.I READ ONE LADY VIEWRS COMMENT .I AGREE WITH HER.LET MR.TATA BE THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA. WE WILL BE ON A BETTER place to LIVE and it will be a,FANTASY island for whole HUMANITY THANKS hersh SINGH .

[@thebetterliving8926]

I am so.amazed by his stamina, in this age having a 2 hours long interview is amaxing.

[@Gauravraikwar]

🕉️ Shanti ratan tata sir 😭 miss you sir aapne desh ke lie bahut bhaut bahut kuch kia hai aap hamesha hamare dilo mai hai

[@SuperRedux]

Who else proud of Ratan Tata as an Indian ?

[@manjhushameka9687]

Legend of humility and a representative of god on the earth.our humble salute to your great heart.💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐🌸

[@drmubinfirdossultana3180]

Grieved by the loss of this gem of a person..how can one be so dignified...

[@UmaChakraborty-kq9dr]

Ratan Tata sir your smile is very sweet.☺💕

[@Striving-to]

I have crush on him such a sweetheart dude he is 😊❤

[@swerna_lathaa]

A great respected jewel of India. We are really proud about him and to be born in the same country as he. Thank you GOD.

[@AbhishekSingh-ez5lq]

Real Kohinoor of india

[@SowhamChatterjee]

A True Legend with Visionary approach in every sort of business 🎉

[@kilurudeensagabudeen9163]

Ratan Tata is really business philosopher forever there is no question on it. Such a charismatic, down to earth leader of nation. A person one who achieved zero haters from even competitive organization. May almighty gives him a great health for longer time for inspiring us. You are my management guru Tata Ji 🙏🤝.

[@kaisersolomon5836]

It’s was a fabulous interview of Mr. Raten Tata, truly enjoyed listening to your interview you are so down to earth person. You have a simple personality and very dignified human being. May you Rest In Peace. 🇨🇦🙏🙏🙏🙏💕

[@KadriAzharuddin]

He is actually Anmol Ratan Tata

[@gudiaparihar]

बिल्कुल सही शब्द for him

[@miss.perfecto7675]

As his name suggests he is A true gem of India and for India ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂

[@vijaykaransharda3246]

SIR I DON'T HAVE WORDS TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE YET I FEEL MYSELF VERY FORTUNATE TO WITNESS THE LIVING LEGEND OF MY TIME. HEAVENLY BLESSINGS ! I WISH IF I COULD BE LIKE HIM ! MY SALUTES ! AND I WISH HAD THERE BEEN TEN MORE PEOPLE LIKE HIM INDIA COULD HAVE BEEN AT A DIFFERENT PLATFORM !

[@NitinSharma-yh1fl]

Watching in October 2024❤

[@kartikayjadhav4947]

Tata are really the greatest, my dream job now is not to work at top finance companies, but to work in Tata. I am eagerly wanting to see this person.

[@vemulakonda21]

Long overdue 'BHARAT RATNA' to this JEWEL OF INDIA. Lot to learn from this Great Son of India.

[@PicsReviews]

Ratan tata gave almost 2 hours to this interviewer he is so lucky 😊

[@vishalraj8215]

amazing i really really thank you i was awaiting for his interview

[@rp6433]

Listening to Ratan ji is meditation. He is so still and patience.

[@WamuyuGatheru]

Interviewer has conducted so much research ...making a highly informative historical interview

[@OmkarBarde96]

Absolute delight for young entrepreneurs ❤️🙏

[@nishantlakhapati8725]

1st time I listen his voice. Respect for you Sir Ratan Tata.