N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata, the former Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, who passed away last week at the age of 86. Chandrasekaran reflected on how Ratan Tata was a leader like no other, always ensuring the well-being of Tata Group employees and their families. His leadership style helped shape numerous leaders across the Tata conglomerate.

Unique Leader with Deep Humanity

In a post on LinkedIn, Chandrasekaran shared that anyone who met Ratan Tata always had a story to tell about his warmth, kindness, and passion for India. “There really was no one like him,” Chandrasekaran wrote, emphasizing Tata’s unique qualities.

Chandrasekaran became Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017 after the removal of the late Cyrus Mistry, and over time, he developed a personal connection with Ratan Tata. He recalled their many conversations, which ranged from topics like cars and hotels to deeper discussions about daily life. “He was someone to be discovered, over time and through experience,” Chandrasekaran reflected.

Focus on Employee Welfare

Chandrasekaran shared a memorable story that highlighted Ratan Tata’s dedication to employees. Shortly after becoming Chairman, Chandrasekaran encountered a dispute at Tata Motors involving wages for the workers’ union. In March 2017, Ratan Tata and Chandrasekaran met with union leaders to resolve the issue.

During the meeting, Ratan Tata expressed regret over the delay in resolving the dispute, explaining that the company was going through tough times. However, he made it clear that both he and Chandrasekaran were committed to resolving the matter within two weeks. Tata’s main priority was always to ensure that employees and their families were well taken care of, Chandrasekaran noted.

Ratan Tata’s Lasting Impact

Chandrasekaran’s tribute painted a picture of Ratan Tata as a caring leader whose focus was not just on business, but on the people who worked for the Tata Group. He always prioritized the welfare of employees and the prosperity of their families, a value that continues to be central to the Tata Group.