JAMSETJI TATA: Steering Not Just Business Growth Bandwagon But The Up-Lifting Society

Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, popularly known as the “Father of Indian Industry,” was not only an industrialist, but a visionary whose philanthropic spirit keeps influencing the future of India. Jamsetji was born in the year 1839 and his services for the nation went well beyond the founding of the Tata Group. He believed in the cause of wealth and he served the society through his pioneering style of philanthropy. His initiatives have made an indelible impression on education, healthcare, and infrastructure in India that has benefitted millions of lives so far.

The education focus of Jamsetji Tata revolutionized the industry. His willingness to propagate scientific knowledge in India led to the establishment of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a college of higher learning that came to be in 1909. One of the references of the country’s leading institutions, the IISc is a portrayal of his belief in the strength of knowledge to bring forth progress

Fostering Societal Change

It was in the establishment of Tata Trusts, i.e. a chain of philanthropic bodies; that Tata manifested his commitment to social welfare in most. Such trusts concentrate on healthcare, where funds are raised for hospitals and medical research, and enhancement of public health projects in areas that are disadvantaged. From fighting malnutrition to encouraging sanitation, the Trusts are a testimony of Jamsetji’s farsighted attempt at tackling the ills in society.

No success or achievement in material terms is worthwhile unless it serves the needs or interests of the country and its people

The philanthropy of Jamsetji Tata also covered the development of infrastructure, guided by his idea of having a self-reliant India. He laid the ground for the undertakings of the parallelism of the industrial advances and service to society. When he used science, technology and basic human needs, it was more apparent how he was able to link the objectives of industry to the over- all function of the growth of the nation.

The life of Jamsetji Tata illustrated how true the concept of leadership is, that is, the one, who determines the course of events, but through empowering other people. His vision is not of the past generations but a vision which can make people believe that when wealth is being used for the benefit of people then it is a transforming power.