Page 29 - Arrow Publications Pvt. Ltd.

In 1983, Ratan Tata launched Tata Salt; India’s first

national branded salt.

In 1991, Ratan Tata became the chairman of Tata Sons,
succeeding JRD Tata. Under his dynamic leadership, the

Tata Group witnessed phenomenal growth.
In 1998, Tata Motors launched India’s first indigenously

designed car, Indica. Initially, the response was lukewarm.
People advised him to sell that manufacturing plant. Ford

Company, in the USA, offered to purchase it. Ratan Tata
flew to Detroit with his board. In the meeting, Bill Ford
humiliated him. He said to Ratan Tata, “You know nothing about the passenger car industry.

Why did you get into this line? We are doing you a favour by purchasing it.”

Ratan Tata did not say anything. That evening, with his
board, he flew back to India. He applied himself to the
passenger car industry and by 2008, Tata Motors was

manufacturing some of the best selling brands in the
world. On the other hand, Ford had got into serious

trouble and was facing bankruptcy. At that time, Ratan
Tata offered to buy their two worst selling motor cars
- Land Rover and Jaguar. Now Bill Ford flew down to

Mumbai with his board.

In the meeting, he said to Ratan Tata, “You are doing us a great favour by purchasing our
cars.” Ratan Tata remained silent.

In 9 years, the clock had turned a full circle and Tata Motors

had humbled the great Ford empire.
Ratan Tata always said, “Be persistent and resilient in the face

of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success.”

In 2000, Ratan Tata received the Padma Bhushan, the third
highest civilian award from the Government of India.

Tata, also bought the global tea brand, Tetley Group for 271

million euros. Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS) rose to be the second largest company in India
Inc, according to data.

27 Arrow - English Plus-8