‘Young man, don’t…’: Narayana Murthy remembers Tata’s heartfelt advice about wife Sudha Murthy

Ratan Tata, the late industrialist and philanthropist, left a profound legacy through his contributions to industry and numerous philanthropic initiatives. One notable figure influenced by Tata’s values is Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. In a recent interview with India Today, Murthy recalled about his experiences with Ratan Tata and his predecessor, J.R.D. Tata, highlighting their impact not only on the business world but also on personal relationships and societal values.

Murthy recounted a memorable encounter with J.R.D. Tata, who once observed Murthy’s wife, Sudha, waiting in the dark for a taxi. J.R.D. Tata’s words to Murthy were poignant: “Young man, don’t make your wife wait in darkness in the future.” This simple yet profound advice exemplified the Tata family’s deep respect for human dignity and relationships. Murthy reflected on this moment, and said, “This is the greatness of the Tatas—how they value human beings.”

Ratan Tata’s compassion for the underprivileged

Murthy recalled on Ratan Tata’s profound compassion for the underprivileged and his dedication to his employees, describing him as “a human being with lots of compassion.” Murthy highlighted Tata’s belief in India’s potential to produce its own automobiles, notably exemplified by 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 also recounted a significant experience from 1999 when he introduced his daughter to Ratan Tata. What was intended as a one-hour meeting extended to three hours, during which Tata imparted invaluable lessons on leadership. He talked about the importance of making tough decisions while also showing 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 said.

He also spoke about Ratan Tata’s philosophy of “compassionate capitalism.” He noted that Tata exemplified this principle through his humility and kindness, especially during challenging times. For instance, even during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, Tata ensured job security for his employees. Murthy summarized this sentiment by reiterating, “This is the greatness of the Tatas—how they value human beings.”