Ratan Tata's Legacy

More Than Just a Job

My two years at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) from 2021 to 2023 was more than just a job. It was a life-changing experience, shaped by the lasting impact of one of India’s most respected business leaders: Ratan Tata. Though I never met him in person, his ideas and values were felt in every part of the company’s culture, leaving a strong mark on all of us who worked there.

Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, is more than just a businessman. He stands for kindness, forward-thinking, and strong values. His influence goes beyond business meetings and financial reports, touching the hearts of millions—including mine.

The Main Ideas of Tata’s Leadership

Thinking Beyond Money

In the often harsh world of business, Ratan Tata stood out by focusing on more than just profits. While many chase numbers and market control, Tata chased values. Under his leadership, the Tata Group grew into many different areas—from steel and cars to software and phones—always with a strong focus on doing the right thing, thinking long-term, and helping communities.

At TCS, we felt this spirit deeply. New ideas weren’t just encouraged—they were part of our daily work. We were inspired to think beyond just solving problems, and instead focus on making lasting positive changes. Tata’s vision pushed us to mix social responsibility with technological progress, creating a culture of both excellence and caring.

Giving Back as a Core Belief

One of the key things about Ratan Tata’s leadership was how he approached giving back to society. Unlike many who just write checks to charities, Tata got personally involved in tackling India’s big social problems. Under his guidance, the Tata Trusts put billions into projects focused on education, healthcare, and rural development.

His contributions, like setting up cancer treatment centers, funding clean water projects, and supporting education scholarships, set a new standard for business giving. For someone like me, who grew up with limited chances, working for a company with these values made me feel part of something bigger—a mission to lift up society. This feeling of belonging, rooted in Tata’s personal values, created a bond that went beyond the usual employee-employer relationship.

Doing Business the Right Way

In a time when business ethics often take a back seat to profit, Ratan Tata stood firm on doing business the right way. His decisions, like leaving businesses that didn’t match ethical standards or investing in sustainable practices, set an example for corporate responsibility. At TCS, this meant that our work was not only about being technically good but also about making sure our solutions helped society without compromising on ethics.

The Person Behind the Legacy

A Silent Father Figure

Though Ratan Tata never married, his actions spoke of a silent fatherhood—one that embraced not just Tata Group employees, but millions of Indians whose lives were made better through his work. His care for the less fortunate was well-known. We often heard stories at TCS of his visits to factories and workshops, where he would talk with workers, understand their problems, and personally make sure they were taken care of. This compassion wasn’t just a business duty—it was a key part of who he was.

A Personal Touch in Leadership

Despite leading a huge company, Ratan Tata kept a personal touch in his leadership. His visits to various Tata companies, including TCS, weren’t just for checking up but to connect with employees at all levels. These interactions became legendary within the company, with stories of him eating meals with workers, asking about their lives, and even remembering names, creating a sense of family within a big corporation. This personal engagement made every employee feel seen and valued, which is rare for leaders of his level.

Global Impact and New Ideas

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

While Ratan Tata expanded the Tata Group worldwide, he never lost touch with India’s roots. His projects like the Nano car weren’t just about entering new markets but about bringing affordable transport to the masses. This mix of thinking globally while acting locally matched what we did at TCS, where our projects often had a global reach but were focused on solving real-world problems faced by people in India and beyond.

A Legacy of Innovation

Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, new ideas became a key part of the Tata brand. From being a leader in IT services at TCS to exploring future technologies like AI and quantum computing, his forward-thinking kept the Tata Group at the forefront of technological progress. This culture of innovation was clear at TCS, where constant learning and trying new things were part of our daily work, encouraged by the legacy of a leader who embraced change and new ideas.

Cultural and Social Impact

A Nation’s Respect, A Global Legacy

When news of Ratan Tata’s death spread, the outpouring of grief across the nation was huge. This wasn’t just for a businessman, but for a man who had come to represent integrity, kindness, and a real concern for India’s progress. He was admired not only for his business skills but for his humility and willingness to give back. This emotional connection—rare in business leadership—showed the deep bond he had formed with people from all walks of life.

Impact on Culture and Soft Power

Ratan Tata’s influence went beyond business into the cultural fabric of India. His involvement in art, culture, and education through various foundations like the Tata Trusts has left a lasting mark. His belief in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage while pushing for modern education and innovation shows a complete approach to nation-building. For many of us, working under his legacy meant contributing to a vision that was as much about cultural preservation as it was about technological progress.

A Legacy of Meaningful Leadership

Looking back on my time at TCS, Ratan Tata’s presence wasn’t just a shadow but a guiding light that shaped every part of the company. His principles—of unwavering integrity, constant innovation, and boundless empathy—continue to influence every decision, every project, and every person who has ever had the honor of working under the Tata name.

For those of us lucky enough to work within the Tata ecosystem, his legacy is a living example that true leadership is not about what you gain but what you give back. It’s about inspiring others to aim not just for success, but for making a real difference. And in that, Ratan Tata is, and will always be, a shining example of what all business leaders—and indeed, all leaders—should strive to be.

In a time when business leaders are often compared, Ratan Tata stands apart. His approach leaned towards a classic idea of industry—where the success of a business is tied to the well-being of the nation. His belief that businesses should exist for the greater good set him on a different path, where market dominance was less important than lifting up human lives.

Working at TCS under the shadow of Ratan Tata’s legacy, I realized that his influence wasn’t just about leading a company but about setting an example for what leadership should be. His life’s work teaches us that success is measured not by what you take but by what you give back. For me, this was more than a job; it was a lesson in values, integrity, and the true meaning of corporate responsibility—a legacy that continues to inspire and guide long after my time at TCS.

The whole nation cried some tears were seen some were unseen 💔. That’s what you have earned Mr.Tata!

Farewell, Sir.

Sim