severe commitment, prolific risk taking and subtle adventure. This was the man who had charted the industrial enlargement of a country through the power of a brand that was created by his predecessors and which he carried to a legendary level on a pioneering global scale in his own time.
When Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata set foot on Goan soil, I was privileged to be amongst the team to receive him at the Dabolim Airport. CII had championed the need for his presence in Goa, if only for a couple of hours, to endorse Air Asia India’s commitment to set up their corporate operations in Goa. Tata was accompanied by Tony Fernandes, the flamboyant founder of the iconic low cost airline Air Asia, and S Ramadorai, chairman of the Air Asia board.
“It’s a good feeling to be back in Goa” Tata said. Later that evening, I had the opportunity to ask him what he meant. “I have come to Goa very often” he said with a satisfied twinkle, “but unfortunately have no house of my own. I should have invested here”. I meant to remind him that a premium housing complex was built off the capital city in his name, but I could not find the words to express it.For a man whose career has been as long to the number I have lived, he showed so much humility and simplicity that I was overawed by his composure towards us.
“How good is it doing business in Goa?” he asked. I looked up at this man who, under his stewardship, had turned his Tata Group from a largely India-centric company into a global business conglomerate and wondered what would have to be my reply that could amuse him. I moved over to some lighter conversation. I asked him about his reported first ‘memoirs’ that were to be published by a Japanese publication. Was there a special connect with Japan that this taciturn personality shared? “I have been misread.” I could see some sadness in his eyes. “It was just an interview that I gave to a Japanese magazine. There are no plans of any memoirs at this stage” he replied. “Have you not read my clarification?” I nodded foolishly for having brought up a sensitive issue with him. How could I tell him that news emanating from out of Goa takes its own time to percolate unlike news being made, and fabricated to an extent, from Goa.
He picked up some cookies from the table across him. “These are our products” he said pointing at the confectionery that was spread out by the Taj Group. “Thank you”, he whispered slowly. “They have even served you Tata water” chipped in Tony,“is this a Tata lounge or what?” he laughed. I was amazed by the observations of these two great men.
It was then time to leave. I stood up awkwardly and fished for my CII card in my coat pocket. I held it before him, he took it gracefully and turned it over soaking in it for a minute. “I am sorry Kirit”, he said, “I am not carrying my card.” I felt numb standing there. “You Sir”, I spluttered, “You do not need to carry a card. Your humble acceptance of mine itself is sublime to me,” I said. He put his hand over my shoulder and said softly “My son, you embarrass me.” It was the most humbling point of my life. One which will make me stay awake for many more nights.
KiritMaganlal is chairman of
CII Goa Council and founder and
CEO of the Magsons Group.
