The Time Came When JRD Tata Was Fired

Bharat Ratna J R D Tata does not require any introduction. He took the industry of this country to a different dimension. His vision and leadership gave a great expansion to the industry and business of Tata Sons. He was a great industrialist, a great visionary leader, a great philanthropist, a great human being. The expansion of Tata industry and business have created a great opportunity of employment in this country. Tata plays a vital role in the stability of the economy of this country.

Tata has capacity to provide the employment to the people of any experience, skill and knowledge in his various sectors. For the job stability, Tata is considered the premier company. Tata still exists and growing because of the great value they carry. J R D Tata introduced many great benefits for Tata employees. These information would be known to many people. But do you know … once J R D Tata was also fired from that sector, which he had founded.

He never took the credit of the expansion of the business of Tata Sons. He used to say – “ I got business in heredity, I have not done much in this”.  That was enough on the earth, he wanted to touch the sphere of the sky, he wanted to fly high.

He was the first person in India who got the license of commercial Pilot in 1929, and founded Tata Arilince in 1932, which became Air India in 1946. Air India was very close to his heart. As a chairman of Tata Sons, he devoted most of his time in building of Air India. He is known as the father of civil aviation in India.

India got the independence in 1947, and in 1948, the Govt of India took the 49% of Air India`s ownership. JRD Tata fought for it, but nothing happened in front of the decision of the Govt of India.

The intervention of Govt of India did not stop here. In 1953, Govt of India passed “Air Corporations Act 1953”, nationalized all Indian Airlines – meaning Govt of India became the owner of all Indian Airlines including Air India. JRD Tata was deeply disappointed by the decision of Govt of India. He fought for his right over Air India, but nothing happened. Air India, which was very close to his heart was taken away by Govt.

However, to give the due respect to J R D Tata, he was appointed the chairman of Air India and director of Indian Airlines by Govt. of India.  He remained at that post for 25 years.

He got the another strike of disappointment when Morar Ji Desai Govt took the decision to remove J R D Tata from the post of chairmanship of Air India and directorship of the Indian Airlines in 1978 even without intimating him. He came to know about this news from the Radio and the prospect chairman of Indian Airlines who was the employee of Tata, but not from the Govt.

The person, with his hard work and great vision founded the civil aviation in India, the time came when his contribution was sidelined and was fired from there even without his prior intimation. What could be more painful for him than this at that moment…? And one year ago, in 1977, he was fired from the post of director of the Atomic Energy of India which was also founded by him.

When he was asked how he felt after the removal from the Indian Airlines – he said –

“I feel as you would feel if your favorite child has been taken away from you.”

Despite that, he did not stop and kept working toward the expansion of Tata Business and creating employment for the people of this country.

Once he said which touch the heart of many people –“ I do not want India to be an economy superpower, I want India should be a happy country.”

 J R D Tata will always be remembered and respected for his immense contribution in the building of  nation.