The nation is still in shock after the demise of noted industrialist and business leader Ratan Tata on Wednesday night. Many people, including our nation, have lost a ‘ratan’.
Gujarat holds a unique place in India’s industrial story, thanks in no small part to Ratan Tata, a visionary business leader who reshaped the state’s economy and built a lasting friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state.
Under Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group made significant contributions to Gujarat’s industrial sector, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing social welfare.
This story, however, is more than just about business—it’s a tale of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to Gujarat that began in Ratan Tata’s early years in Surat and further enhanced during a pivotal moment in West Bengal’s Singur.
Ratan Tata, born in the vibrant city of Surat to Naval Tata and Soonoo Tata, spent his childhood surrounded by the textile industry. It was in Surat that Tata developed the business acumen and resilience that would define his career.
Reflecting on the city’s influence on his life, Tata credited the city with shaping his values and instilling a sense of social responsibility. Throughout his career, he often returned to Surat, inaugurating Tata Motors dealerships and attending events in the city’s famed diamond industry, which he praised for its entrepreneurial spirit.
Yet, one of Tata’s most significant contributions to Gujarat came under challenging circumstances. In 2006, Tata Motors announced its ambitious plan to produce the ‘Tata Nano’, a compact and affordable car, in West Bengal’s Singur.
However, the project soon met with fierce opposition as farmers protested the state government’s land acquisition process. Protestors, rallying under the slogan “Atta not Tata,” voiced concerns over losing their livelihoods and the disruption of agricultural land. Despite Tata Motors completing over 85% of the plant, the protests did not subside, forcing Tata to abandon the project after two years.
During a press conference in 2008, a visibly disappointed Ratan Tata announced the decision to leave Singur, stating, “It was a sad day for us, as we had hoped to be part of West Bengal’s progress. But in the face of such protests, we could not proceed.”
This challenging moment marked the beginning of a new chapter when Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, reached out to Tata with a simple but impactful gesture. PM Modi sent Tata a one-sentence SMS that read, “Suswagatam” (meaning “Welcome” in Sanskrit), inviting the Tata Group to relocate the Nano plant to Gujarat.
Tata often spoke of his admiration for Modi’s swift response and commitment to business. Recounting the experience, he said, “He invited me to move the factory to Gujarat, and I said we’d come if we had a home. He (Modi) said, ‘I’ll get you the land you want in three days.’ And then he delivered that on the third morning. He said, ‘Ratanji, here’s the land that I promised. That does not happen in India.’”
Modi’s decisive action and willingness to provide 1,100 acres of prime land in Sanand at an attractive rate helped Gujarat earn a reputation as a business-friendly state.
During the launch of the first Nano car in Gujarat, Modi himself remarked on the impact of his message, saying, “When Ratan Tata said in a press conference in Kolkata that they are leaving West Bengal, I sent him a short SMS saying welcome to Gujarat. And now you can see what a Re 1 SMS can do.”
Tata, for his part, expressed gratitude for Modi’s support and praised Gujarat as a strategic location for the Nano project. He famously noted, “When I came here first on an industry visit, invited by the Gujarat Chief Minister, I was told that if it (the Nano plant) is not in Gujarat, I will be stupid. I am no longer stupid after investing in the plant in Gujarat.”
The Sanand plant, which once manufactured the Nano, continues to drive the state’s economy, now producing the Tata Tiago and Tigor models. The Nano project not only created thousands of jobs in Sanand but also highlighted Tata’s deep belief in the power of Indian manufacturing.
Beyond this plant, the Tata Group further expanded its operations in Gujarat. Tata Chemicals established a major soda ash and salt manufacturing facility in Mithapur, and Tata Power became a prominent player in the state’s renewable energy sector. These ventures, under Tata’s leadership, underscored his vision for sustainable and responsible industrial growth.
Tata’s Philanthropic Ideas for Gujarat
Tata’s influence extended well beyond industry. Through the Tata Trusts, he supported education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives across Gujarat and India. His philanthropy reflected his belief in using business as a force for good, a value he emphasised throughout his career.
“Philanthropy is not about money—it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help,” he once said, echoing his lifelong commitment to giving back.
Ratan Tata’s friendship with Narendra Modi remained strong as both men championed the cause of a prosperous, industrial India. Tata often expressed support for Modi, stating, “I always believed in his vision for a New India. He brought a new spirit to Indian industry, and I was proud to witness that transformation in Gujarat.”
Ratan Tata’s legacy lives on, not only in the factories and industries he helped establish but also in the values of innovation, integrity, and philanthropy that he embodied.
Also Read: “Goodbye, My Dear Lighthouse”: Ratan Tata’s Assistant Shantanu Naidu
