Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, recently explained his decision to name a key Infosys facility after J.R.D. Tata, even though Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is one of Infosys' main competitors. In a recent interview, Murthy paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata, who passed away in October 2024, and explained how his admiration for the Tata family transcends business competition.
A Tribute to J.R.D. Tata’s Patriotism
In an interview to India Today, Murthy shared the deep respect he held for J.R.D. Tata, one of India's most iconic industrialists. He revealed that the Infosys management council room, one of the company's most advanced facilities, is named after J.R.D. Tata. "J.R.D. transcended companies," Murthy explained. "He was a patriotic Indian who contributed to the nation's growth." For Murthy, Tata’s contributions to India’s industrial development went beyond the boundaries of business rivalry, which is why he chose to honor Tata despite TCS being a direct competitor.
Murthy also recalled how Ratan Tata, J.R.D.'s successor, was initially surprised when he was invited to inaugurate the J.R.D. Tata facility at Infosys. "Ratan Tata himself asked me, 'How could you invite me when TCS is your competitor?' I told him that for us, J.R.D. Tata represented something greater—his love for India and his vision for the future," Murthy said. This invitation exemplified Murthy's belief in valuing the principles that leaders stand for, regardless of business competition.
Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata's Bond
The relationship between Murthy and Tata went beyond formal business dealings. Murthy shared personal stories of Tata’s humility and kindness. In one instance, Murthy recalled taking his daughter to meet Ratan Tata in 1999. Tata was only supposed to spend an hour with them but ended up talking for three hours. "He spoke about leadership, compassion, and making tough decisions. It was an illuminating experience for all of us," Murthy reminisced.
Murthy's wife, Sudha Murthy, has had a long-standing connection to the Tata Group, having started her career at TELCO (now Tata Motors). Murthy acknowledged her admiration for the Tata family, particularly J.R.D. Tata, saying, "Sudha is out and out a Tata person." This personal connection further strengthened Murthy’s decision to honor the Tata legacy within Infosys.
Ratan Tata’s Compassionate Capitalism
Murthy has often spoken about "compassionate capitalism," a term he coined in 1975 to describe the need for businesses to succeed while also caring for society. He believed Ratan Tata embodied this philosophy. "Tata’s concern for his employees, his commitment to ensuring jobs were protected even during crises like 26/11, and his focus on uplifting society showed his compassionate approach to business," Murthy said.
Ratan Tata’s Global Vision and Leadership
Murthy also praised Tata’s bold global moves, such as acquiring companies like Jaguar and British Steel. While Tata faced criticism for some of these decisions, Murthy believed they would be validated in the long run. "He was a visionary who thought far into the future. His global initiatives are now bearing fruit," Murthy said, pointing out that Jaguar's growing popularity in India is a testament to Tata's foresight.
A Tribute to J.R.D. Tata’s Patriotism
In an interview to India Today, Murthy shared the deep respect he held for J.R.D. Tata, one of India's most iconic industrialists. He revealed that the Infosys management council room, one of the company's most advanced facilities, is named after J.R.D. Tata. "J.R.D. transcended companies," Murthy explained. "He was a patriotic Indian who contributed to the nation's growth." For Murthy, Tata’s contributions to India’s industrial development went beyond the boundaries of business rivalry, which is why he chose to honor Tata despite TCS being a direct competitor.
Murthy also recalled how Ratan Tata, J.R.D.'s successor, was initially surprised when he was invited to inaugurate the J.R.D. Tata facility at Infosys. "Ratan Tata himself asked me, 'How could you invite me when TCS is your competitor?' I told him that for us, J.R.D. Tata represented something greater—his love for India and his vision for the future," Murthy said. This invitation exemplified Murthy's belief in valuing the principles that leaders stand for, regardless of business competition.
Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata's Bond
The relationship between Murthy and Tata went beyond formal business dealings. Murthy shared personal stories of Tata’s humility and kindness. In one instance, Murthy recalled taking his daughter to meet Ratan Tata in 1999. Tata was only supposed to spend an hour with them but ended up talking for three hours. "He spoke about leadership, compassion, and making tough decisions. It was an illuminating experience for all of us," Murthy reminisced.
Murthy's wife, Sudha Murthy, has had a long-standing connection to the Tata Group, having started her career at TELCO (now Tata Motors). Murthy acknowledged her admiration for the Tata family, particularly J.R.D. Tata, saying, "Sudha is out and out a Tata person." This personal connection further strengthened Murthy’s decision to honor the Tata legacy within Infosys.
Ratan Tata’s Compassionate Capitalism
Murthy has often spoken about "compassionate capitalism," a term he coined in 1975 to describe the need for businesses to succeed while also caring for society. He believed Ratan Tata embodied this philosophy. "Tata’s concern for his employees, his commitment to ensuring jobs were protected even during crises like 26/11, and his focus on uplifting society showed his compassionate approach to business," Murthy said.
Ratan Tata’s Global Vision and Leadership
Murthy also praised Tata’s bold global moves, such as acquiring companies like Jaguar and British Steel. While Tata faced criticism for some of these decisions, Murthy believed they would be validated in the long run. "He was a visionary who thought far into the future. His global initiatives are now bearing fruit," Murthy said, pointing out that Jaguar's growing popularity in India is a testament to Tata's foresight.
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