Ratan Tata Was Mentally Sharp, Made Useful Suggestions & Volunteered Help: Sam Balsara
Balsara recalls his many encounters with Tata and how his personality left an indelible impression on him and his family
I first saw Mr. Tata in the wide corridors of Nelco sometime in 1986 and then came face to face with him. I did not know him then. Yet, he extended his arm to shake my hand and thank me for my hard and sincere work for Nelco to shore up sales of its Nelco Blue Diamond TVs. That left a lasting impression on me, about the man. My commitment to Nelco increased multifold. Over the subsequent decades, I met him many times, though less frequently, since Blue Diamond TVs could not compete against the questionable commercial practices of Indian businessmen importing TV sets, in CKD condition and selling them.
On one occasion, I met him on an India Airlines flight when he was travelling with JRD and he was kind enough to introduce me to him. I was fortunate to meet him recently, about six months ago at his elegant home with clean lines in Colaba along with a group of senior Parsi citizens to discuss welfare measures for Parsis, who needed financial assistance, especially in the health area. Though frail, he was mentally sharp, made many useful suggestions and volunteered help from his insurance company. I was surprised that he indulged in some Parsi banter with one or two of our older Parsi colleagues, who he seemed to know personally for decades.
Recently, my daughter Lara heard at Harvard Business School, “The more power you have, the more humble you should be and the more humble you are the more power you have.” Perhaps, this thought was planted by Ratan Tata in Harvard, where a majestic building stands in his honour and makes India proud.
