New Delhi: Ratan Tata sisters, Shireen Jejeebhoy and Deanna Jejeebhoy, have recently given their views on their deceased brother saying he was an individual who never allowed any family sentiments to influence his work choices. Their words were timely when the Tata Trusts have been experiencing internal troubles and change of leadership.
Both sisters talked fondly of Ratan Tata, not only as a successful business executive, but also as a loving brother. They added that though he was a loving and close family person, his personal life never interfered with his job. Shireen said that he was certainly the favourite child of their mother and that they always felt his warmth and humour. Deanna added that Ratan Tata would not permit anyone to believe that he was giving preferential treatment to his family members. Even when the relatives would have been interested to work with Tata Trusts, he insisted that they should be appointed to work with it according to merit, rather than by family networks.
The sisters said that Ratan Tata never intended to be unfair and dishonest. In his opinion, family ties were never to be considered when making big decisions particularly on matters such as the Tata Trusts, which are used in managing most of the charitable projects in India. They remembered that on one occasion when a trust member proposed that Deanna would be appointed in a position, Ratan Tata ensured that people were aware that it was not his choice. He was interested in making everyone realise that justice must precede family favour.
Speaking of his personal part, even the sisters had pleasant memories of their youthful years. They told that Ratan Tata was a caring and gentle man who loved animals and could have a simple moment with his family. One of them recalled the fact that he had two puppies named Tito and Tango. As soon as the dogs began fighting, Ratan Tata started to adopt one of the dogs because he loved them and wanted both dogs to live happily. It was a little act of his kind and considerate disposition.
The life of Ratan Tata was very disciplined, full of love, and honesty. Although he was a highly respected industrialist in India, he led a basic and personal life. He never got married and spent a large portion of his time working with Tata Group and Tata Trusts. Siblings claimed that he never lost the values of his mother and allowed the success to alter his straightforwardness. They also added that Ratan Tata was close to his half-brother Noel Tata, and he had a tendency to treat his family with high respect and care.
His sisters lamented the current issues in Tata Trusts, but claimed they knew Ratan Tata would have dealt with the issues in an impartial and peaceful manner. They are proud of the manner in which he managed to separate his professional and personal life, proving that being a good leader does not mean only being a successful businessman but also being a morally strong person.
The story of Ratan Tata is one that can offer a significant life lesson, that being close to your family does not necessarily mean that you should treat them special at the workplace. He demonstrated that such true respect to the family can be expressed through fairness and honesty. The key message that his lifestyle teaches us is that success is even more valuable when it is accompanied by good values.
At the end, however, the most remarkable aspect is the way Ratan Tata was able to manage his hardworking nature and a tender heart. The recollections of his sisters create an image of a man who loved his family so much, as well as his responsibility to be just and fair. He has made a difference in the lives of people by his life not because of his business success but because he was simple, kind, and believed that doing the right thing is always important and matters more than personal gain.
