When Narayana Murthy was told by JRD Tata: 'Don't keep your wife Sudha waiting in darkness in future'

The recent passing of Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist and philanthropist, has evoked deep reflections on his life and leadership. Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, shared his memories of Tata during an interview with India Today, highlighting the profound impact Tata had not only on the business world but also on personal relationships and societal values.

In the interview, Murthy emphasized that Tata was more than just a businessman; he embodied compassion and humility. "He was a human being with lots of compassion," Murthy stated, recalling how Tata cared deeply for the underprivileged and his employees. Tata's dedication to the community was evident in his initiatives, such as the launch of the Tata Nano, which aimed to provide affordable transportation for the masses. "He believed that we Indians could produce our own cars," Murthy noted, showcasing Tata's patriotic spirit.

Valuable Lessons From The Tatas
Murthy shared a poignant experience from 1999 when he introduced his daughter to Tata, who generously extended a one-hour meeting into three. During this time, Tata imparted invaluable lessons on leadership, emphasizing the need for tough decisions and compassion for those less fortunate. "It was a wonderful lesson on leadership, not just for my daughter but for Sudha and me as well," Murthy recalled, illustrating Tata's natural ability to inspire and mentor others.

Reflecting on his interactions with Tata, Murthy recounted an incident involving J.R.D. Tata, Ratan's predecessor and a titan in his own right. Murthy described how J.R.D. once encountered Sudha waiting in the dark for a taxi and admonished him, saying, "Young man, don't make your wife wait in darkness in the future." This moment epitomized the Tata culture of kindness and respect for individuals, regardless of their status.



Murthy elaborated, “This is the greatness of the Tatas—how they value human beings.” Such experiences have left a lasting impression on Murthy and his family, showcasing the warmth that defines the Tata legacy.

Ratan Tata's philosophy of "compassionate capitalism" resonated deeply with Murthy. He described this concept as combining the heart of socialism with the mind of capitalism. "Ratan demonstrated this extremely well," he said, recalling how Tata ensured job security for employees even during crises like the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Murthy highlighted that Tata's belief was clear: economic progress can only be achieved when every segment of society thrives.


Ratan Tata's Legacy
The late Ratan Tata's humility was legendary. Despite his significant influence and leadership role, he remained accessible and approachable. Murthy recounted his invitation to Tata for the inauguration of the Akshaya Patra kitchen, an initiative started by Sudha Murthy. Ratan’s presence and willingness to engage with everyone, from high-ranking officials to everyday citizens, underscored his commitment to community service.

"His humility and kindness were lessons in compassionate capitalism," Murthy stated, reaffirming Tata's influence on his own values and beliefs.

As India mourns the loss of Ratan Tata, Murthy's reflections remind us of the remarkable legacy left behind by this extraordinary leader. His vision for a compassionate society, coupled with his commitment to uplifting others, will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists.