1908 and an adoption: How one decision made Tata Group Rs 3310000 crore business empire and changed life of Ratan Tata forever

Ratan Tata’s father, Naval Tata, had an inspiring life journey that began far from the wealth and influence of the Tata family. Born on August 30, 1904, Naval Tata was not originally part of the Tata business dynasty but became a key figure through an unusual turn of events. Naval’s father worked as a spinning master at Ahmedabad Advance Mills, but when he passed away in 1908, Naval, then only four years old, faced significant hardships. His mother, struggling to support the family, took him to Navsari, Gujarat, where she worked on embroidery to make ends meet. Given their difficult financial situation, Naval Tata was sent to the JN Petit Parsi Orphanage.

It was there that his life changed dramatically when he met Navajbai Tata, the wife of Sir Ratanji Jamsetji Tata, who adopted Naval when he was 13. After becoming part of the Tata family, Naval was given formal education, graduating in Economics from the University of Bombay. He later pursued courses in accounting in London, setting the stage for his influential role within the Tata Group.

Despite his adoption into one of India’s most prominent business families, Naval Tata remained humble and dedicated.

Naval Tata’s early life

Naval Tata’s early experience with poverty deeply influenced his character, shaping his values of resilience and strength. He often reflected on how those challenging years gave him a perspective that would guide him throughout his life, especially in his business and philanthropic endeavors.

Naval had two sons, Ratan Tata and Jimmy Tata, with his first wife, Sooni Commissariat. However, the couple separated, and Naval later married Simone Dunoyer, with whom he had another son, Noel Tata.

Naval Tata’s journey with Tata Group

Naval Tata’s journey within the Tata Group began humbly in 1930, when he joined Tata Sons as a Clerk-cum-Assistant Secretary. He quickly advanced, becoming the Secretary of the Aviation Department in 1933.

Over the years he became chairman of the other textile mills and the three electric companies. From an active director he later became the Deputy Chairman of Tata Sons. He was directly responsible for the management of the three Tata electric companies, the four textile mills and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. He was the longest serving colleague and close associate of JRD Tata on board of Tata Sons.

In 1941, he was appointed as a Director of Tata Sons, marking the beginning of his leadership within the conglomerate. His roles expanded further when he became Chairperson of Tata Power in 1961 and Deputy Chairperson of Tata Sons in 1962.

Naval Tata was not only a remarkable businessman but also a significant contributor to social causes. He served as the Chairperson of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust until his last days and held a prominent role as the Chairperson of the Indian Cancer Society.

Ratan Tata followed father’s footsteps

Naval’s son, Ratan Tata, followed in his father’s footsteps, both in terms of humble beginnings and extraordinary achievements. Educated at Cornell University, Ratan began his career at Tata Group working on the shop floor after returning to India in 1962. He gained valuable experience across various Tata companies before being appointed Director in charge of National Radio and Electronics Co. in 1971.

Ratan Tata’s leadership within the Tata Group grew over time, and by 1991, he succeeded his uncle, JRD Tata, as chairman of the Tata Group, after JRD’s five-decade-long leadership. Ratan Tata would go on to transform the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, earning honors such as the Padma Vibhushan, and now there are calls to posthumously bestow him with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his immense contributions.