India recently mourned the loss of Ratan Tata, the beloved industrialist who passed away on October 9th. Known for his humility and dedication to India’s growth, Tata was a philanthropist who supported numerous social causes through the Tata Trusts. Following his passing, a resurfaced interview from 2010 has been circulating online, where he recounted a moment when he was asked to pay a ₹15 crore bribe.
In the interview with NDTV, Ratan Tata shared a shocking encounter from his professional life, revealing the extent of corruption in the business world. He recalled how another industrialist suggested that he pay a ₹15 crore bribe to a minister to secure a business deal.
The deal in question involved Ratan Tata’s attempt to acquire an airline.
The industrialist had told him,
You know, why don’t you pay the minister, you know that he wants 15 crore, no one has asked us for any amount of money . you know, you people want the airline, don’t you? You want the airline, pay 15 crore what does it matter to you.”
When the interviewer asked how corruption could be avoided, Ratan Tata emphasized the importance of self-regulation. He responded firmly,
“It has to be self-regulating. You will never understand that, we just don’t do that…”
His words reflected his belief that ethical business practices stem from strong internal principles, and it’s essential to stand firm, even when external pressures to engage in corruption are high.
Tata proudly stated that he wanted to be able to sleep at night knowing he hadn’t compromised his values. Throughout his career, he made a conscious effort to avoid unethical practices, even in critical situations like securing a mining license.
The passing of Ratan Tata at 86 has been a significant loss, not just for the Tata Group but for the entire business community and beyond. Tributes poured in from many who admired him. His assistant, Shantanu Naidu, shared a heartfelt message about their deep friendship and Tata’s mentorship. Simi Garewal, a notable public figure and rumored former companion, also expressed her sorrow with a moving tribute. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, highlighted Tata’s transformative leadership and enduring impact on the Indian business landscape.
Ratan Tata’s life and career continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. His strong moral compass and unwavering commitment to ethics have left a lasting legacy. What are your thoughts on his contributions? Share your reflections in the comments below.
