With great commit-ment, dedication, talent, farsightedness and innovative thoughts Ratan Tata is today leading Tata Industries, a family legacy crossing ever new milestones. Because of his revolutionary successes in automobile industry he is being called ‘Henry Ford of India’. On the occasion of 2008 Republic Day celebrations, Ratan Tata was awarded ‘Padma Bhushana’, India’s second highest civilian honour for his mammoth contribution to the country’s industrial and business growth.
At present Tata Industrial House has total worth of 79,000 crore rupees. According to an official list of Business Houses covering seven sectors, Tata Group is running 91 companies. If subsidiary units are included the figure reaches 300. Tata Industrial House is at present providing employment to 2,89,500 workers and other ranks in India and abroad. Ratan Tata figures amongst ‘Top 25 Most Influential Industrialists of the World’. He had taken over entire responsibilities of Tata Group on his shoulders from the legendary JRD Tata in 1991.
For correct assessment of the achievements of Ratan Tata it is imperative to know about his predecessors who founded and nourished the Tata Industrial Empire through successive generations. The readers must get a fair view of what Ratan Tata exactly inherited. Had Ratan Tata raised the empire on this own the mention of the names of his predecessors would only have come only as relationship reference of forebears. But in this context they were the founders and developers of Tata Group for a considerable period and degree. Their contribution has been huge in building up the empire on the pinnacle of which Ratan Tata stands proud today. For correct evaluation of the achievements of seventy year old Ratan Tata the role of the founding fathers of his industrial empire needs to be studied. The history of this Indian industrial family is 800 years old the chronology of which is preserved in Tata Memorial Museum. Tatas are pure Parsis, one of the minority communities of India.
Persian background of Tatas
The ancient history of Tata dynasty reveals that it was a family of priests, Persian priests. When they came to India the natives began calling them Parsis (Persians). The family was financially prosperous even eight centuries ago. Being priests it enjoyed social respect and reverence as well. As Tatas represented Parsi religion all the members of the family had to follow strict regimes or tenets and discipline. They were all required to conduct themselves with civility, dignity and grace.
One thousand years B.C. a new race of people came to the land near Dajla-Farat Valley from North-East side of Caspean Sea who were different from the native Semetic races. The anthropologists name this new race ‘Indo-European’. These people had learnt the ways of farming and roamed around as nomads looking for suitable places to settle down for secure and stable life. They reached European lands also and settled down. The are known as Europeans. Those who settled down in middle east and India are called Indos. After entering into Asia this race bifurcated. Here they are known as Mideas or Persians. They were worshipers of Fire, Sun, Moon and Wind. They were powerful people and according to class and caste the related traditions were taught to their children horse riding, archery, truthfulness and life of high standards. Over the period these Persians migrated to India and we started to call them ‘Parsis’, the Indianised version of ‘Persians’.
Persian culture and civilisation came to India centuries ago. But due to rigid marriage tenets and customs they did not multiply like other races who had landed in this land. Barring a few exceptions Parsis married in the community, even between blood relatives to preserve the purity of their blood. They avoided marrying in or from other races or faiths. Parsi culture is unique in many ways. The following points may help the readers understand its uniqueness :
❑ Parsi culture is related to Persia (Iran) and it came to India centuries ago.
❑ Persians (Parsis) are in almost all countries of the world besides India but their numbers are very thin.
❑ Parsis give utmost importance to the purity of blood as inherited sacred tradition. In the past they believed if marriage within Parsi community is not possible then it is better to remain bachelor for life. It gives one the idea how Parsis abhore inter-racial or inter-religious marriages. It is strictly forbidden.
❑ Other races of the world do not allow marriage between close blood relations but Parsi society allows them for the sake of blood purity.
❑ It is found that a person of Parsi culture does make a mark in his chosen field and mentally he is very refined and graceful.
❑ Their conduct is very dignified and in the field of knowledge they excel.
❑ In the context of India the people of Parsi culture have carved a special niche. In all the fields their achievements are commendable and do the country proud.
❑ Very special are their accomplishments in the fields of cinema, law, trade, industry, fine arts, teaching, education and science. No one can match their record.
❑ Just as Aryans have their own special customs, rituals and traditions in the matters of birth, death, marriage, education etc., similarly Parsis have their own exclusive regimes as part of their social and religious life.
❑ A study of Parsis in the Indian background shows they have been very conscious about preserving their distinct ancient culture. But inspite of that they have truly made India their home, country and part of their heart. They made best contributions in its progress in all fields of endeavour in harmony with prevailing situations and the needs. In India’s freedom struggle the Persian community was in step with freedom fighters and was sympathetic.
❑ The contribution of Parsis in the social and economic resurgence of India has been very constructive and philanthropic.
❑ In the country of unity in diversity the role of the Parsis has been very harmonious and progressive.
❑ Indian Parsis are people of truthfulness, generosity, benevolence and very industriousness. In our society they shine like jewels in the crown of glory.
❑ Parsi community believe in living peacefully. It is a minority but it does not demand any reservations or political patronage. Parsis create what they need or want by hard work, skill and dedication.
❑ In independent India Parsis never became a part of any controversy that showed them in negative light. Infact they are the examples of ideal citizens and a community for others to emulate for a peaceful and industrious India.
