Sharing experiences with Mr. Ratan Tata

Wish to share my fortunate times with Mr. Ratan Tata so as to share so many facets of his personality as we all embark on our professional journey

On my way from office (Modi Xerox days) driving down Marine Drive, my car passed his and my colleagues nudged me that Mr Ratan Tata is driving ahead of us. In order to have a closer look, I accelerated and was fortunate to be next to his car at a signal

As he was sitting in the front seat, in youthful exuberance I knocked at his window and fortunately he rolled down the window and smiled / asked what can he do for me - I was surprised and just about had the guts to ask - Sir can I have your autograph - He replied I am not a celebrity so he can't and we exchanged pleasantries and he inquired where we were working - He was appreciative of the company (MX) we were working for and wished us luck. This 1st experience he established that we shouldn’t be working for laurels as a celebrity

After a few days, at the Ravisaant signal on the road going towards Cuffe Parade, I had stopped my car as there was an issue with the tyre - He passed me, saw me and stopped the car and inquired if all was well and if his driver could be of any assistance - He also commented on the different colour Maruti 800 I was driving (this one was the blue car which my wife used to drive). Clearly, he had an eye for detail and a great memory

The 3rd interaction at Delhi airport within a few weeks was the most memorable - I had gone for an interview with Bausch and Lomb and was waiting at the terminal with a few prominent personalities (Sam Pitroda / Justice Bhagwati) and I just wished that Mr. Tata should also join this esteemed gathering cause I sort of know him and at least could get a Hi from him

Guess what, in walks Mr. Tata and having spotted me did ask, Young Man are U a spy and U are following me everywhere - I smiled and said it's all my fortune having met him for the 3rd time in less than a month.

I did share with him that Mr. Pitroda was around and he asked me to take care of his bag (A VIP bag with 2 initials - R & T – Simple living by a wealthy person) whilst he goes and says Hi to him (He was in Delhi to seek permission for the IBM venture)

Whilst getting on to the aircraft when we were in line, to make me comfortable cause I was in economy, he specifically mentioned that it's safer at the back of the plane. Yet another great example of humility and making sure that the lesser mortals don’t feel deprived

I didn't disturb him in the flight but on getting down, I conveniently positioned myself next to me and having spotted my wife who had come to fetch me, I was signally her to go away as Mr. Tata had offered me a lift as I was going to Pedder Road and he was going to Worli

In the car, he did share that the biggest challenge he faced was getting all the Tata Companies to have a common Vision (At that moment he was having problems with Mr. Russi Mody of Tata Steel) he also did share that the group companies must pay the trust a royalty for using the Tata brand name

At my end I did share that the Tata brand name had a reputation of trust and my mom though being uneducated would choose a Tata product above any other brand - he appreciated the sentiment

He got off at one of the Directors residences in Worli (was going there for dinner) paid the driver some money for his dinner and asked him to drop me at Pedder Road. Once again making sure that the lesser human beings are comfortable

I was fortunate to meet the legend thrice within a short time and have this memorable interaction to share. These moments would always be etched in memory and I am sharing this on an open platform so as to share his human ness

He made an impact in business and to society without personally trying to be impactful. May his soul rest in peace and may we be inspired by his legacy

God bless his soul ??