A Tribute to Mr. Ratan Tata – A Reflection on My Personal Experience

Some leaders leave an imprint on your life, not because of personal interactions, but because of the values they stand for. For me, Mr. Ratan Tata is one such leader.

Though my connection to Mr. Ratan Tata was distant, my time at Tata Consulting Engineers #(TCE) in the 1990s was deeply shaped by the values he and the Tata Group exemplify.

I left TCE in 1999, shortly after my annual appraisal. A year later, I was taken aback when a courier arrived unexpectedly. Inside was a performance incentive for the months I had worked after my last appraisal—right up to my final working day.

In an era where businesses often prioritize speed and profit over principles, this act of thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on me. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the company’s unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness, and respect for every individual—values that Mr. Ratan Tata himself has long championed.

Even today, that moment gives me goosebumps. It wasn’t just about the money—it was a reminder that in a world where it's easy to forget the individual, there are still organizations, like the Tata Group, that value people above all.

Mr. Ratan Tata, though you may no longer actively lead, the legacy of your values lives on, not just in the organization, but in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be touched by them. The lessons I learned during those five formative years at TCE will stay with me always.