Ratan Tata’s Notion of Social Responsibility

Ratan Tata’s Notion of Social Responsibility 

Ratan Tata,Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group passed away at the age of eighty six on 9th October,2024.He was not only known for his remarkable achievements in the domain of business but also for his humble nature and grounded personality. The man who took Tatas to dizzy heights was no less an inspiration to millions of his workmen and common man.His commitment to philanthropy reflected his vision for holistic development and empowering communities.

Such an approach saw presence of Tatas in U.S.A.,Canada, Brazil,U.K.,South Africa,Zambia,Kenya, Australia, Japan, South Korea,Singapore,Thailand,Vietnam,Maldives,Sri Lanka,Nepal and Bhutan.

Further, it may be noted that the group donates 66 % of it’s earnings.If it was not so,Tatas would have occupied the Topmost position in India for a long time.

Source of Inspiration

Ratan Tata was a revered figure in country’s business and philanthropy. During his long career he had immense contributions to make. Due to his deep understanding and patience he became a reliable source of inspiration for future generations. He made a profound impact on society through various philanthropic initiatives.

Probably away from commitment of wedlock, he could spare ample time for social causes or what is now known as Corporate Social Responsibility. In many facets of society the group was engaged right from their involvement in steel production at Jamshedpur. But Ratan Tata’s innings as Chairman from 1991 onwards certainly gave more impetus to non – business activities of the group. You name any aspect:education ,health, rural development, energy ,art & culture, animal welfare or sports, Tatas have always extended their finance and support.

Education

In the field of Education Tata Trust not only supports scholarships and educational institutions but initiatives are also taken to enhance access to quality education.The institutions supported are Tata Institute of Social Scieces,Mumbai, Indian Instutute of Science,Bengaluru and Tata Centre for Technology & Design.

Health Care

In the field of Healthcare, the group funds hospitals, medical research and health services, particularly for the under privileged.The group’s health initiatives range from tackling communicable diseases, such as,Malaria and T.B.to improving maternal and neo natal health and increasing access to Cancer care.

Tata Memorial Centre established in 1941 gave the country it’s first Cancer care facility. Inauguration of Tata Medical Centre in 2011 further eased the burden of Cancer.

Some of the institutions supported by the Tatas are:

Tata Medical Centre( for Cancer treatment) & Tata Memorial Hospital. On 28th April, 2024 an advanced Cancer treatment Centre was started by Ratan Tata in Assam.Prime Minister himself was present. It is proposed to have such centres in other North Eastern states also.

Maternal & Neonatal Health and Nutrition

Tata Group provides in person training to local women and community health workers.They are taught everything they need to know about pre natal and post partum care of mother and child. So far a population of 50 lakhs has been covered .It has led to a noticeable reduction in maternal and neo natal maternity rates.

Through The India Nutrition Initiative(TINI), country’s malnutrition challenge is being addressed. It’s work encompasses the fortification of staple foods with micronutrients, refurbishment of Anganwadis and training of workers through National Nutrition Mission.

Animal Welfare

When pet dogs of Ratan Tata would fall sick and on one occasion when one of them had to be taken abroad for treatment, Ratan Tata felt the necessity to start a dedicated hospital for pets and small animals in metropolitan cities. He made a beginning by constructing a five storey hospital at Mumbai for this purpose. Similarly he supported an initiative of Santanu Naidu, a young entrepreneur in providing reflecting collars for the stray dogs so that they could be saved from being crushed by speeding vehicles at night.

Water Supply & Sanitation

In the same way, a number of initiatives taken by the group aim at improving livelihoods, regulating water supply and supplementing sanitation in villages. The programme is focused on reforming demand for water, recharging water availability ,operation & maintenance of water supply systems ,preserving quality of water and ensuring safe sanitation, hygiene & waste management. Idea is to fill up the gaps left by Government schemes.

Energy

Tata Energy Research Institute(TERI) was set up in 1974 to usher transitions to a clean and sustainable future through conservation and efficient use of energy and other resources and exploring innovative ways for minimizing and reusing waste. It helps in enhancing energy efficiency, efficient use of iron and cement, watershed management, management of solid waste and sewage and developing innovative solutions for clean air.

Sustainable Development

The work of TERI in espousing rather promoting the cause of Sustainable Development all over the world through it’s annual conferences ,publications and discussions is well known.

Idea is to encourage people and institutions to utilise earth’s resources in such a way that enough is left for the use of future generations.

The Tata Trust also provides aid when natural calamities happen in the country.They also extend support for preservation and promotion of Indian art, culture and heritage.

Sports

In the field of Sports, the Tata establishments at. Jamshedpur have provided a number of facilities to athletes and Hockey players.

The group has hosted local village Football,Archery & Volleyball tournaments by involving 30,000 athletes. Further, it hosts Marathon in ten cities across the world.It also supports Olympic athletes and some of them get lifetime support.

The group has started 70 Hockey centres in Jharkhand, Tata Football Academy in 1987 at Jamshedpur, Tata Archery Academy in 1996 and a Mountaineering institute in 1984. Also a team by the name of Jamshedpur F.C. was started in 2017.

Once in a blue moon, a highly dedicated and society oriented individual like Ratan Tata emerges.Througout his long career, he earned well deserving goodwill in India and abroad. He was a quiet man of action who believed in taking feedback from cutting edge by mixing with workers and people at grassroots. It helped him in improving his products and their sale. During one of his last functions at Assam he stated:

” HE WAS DEDICATING HIS LAST YEARS TO HEALTH”.

Alok K.Shrivastava,

Ex-Chief Secretary,

Govt.of Sikkim