JRD Tata: Left the French army, survived, became the head of Tata at the age of 34, then did such a thing that it became 'Bharat Ratna'

Posted on 30th Jul 2022 by rohit kumar

Today is the birthday of JRD Tata, who became the youngest chairman of India's largest industrial conglomerate Tata. He was born on 29 July 1904 in Paris, France. JRD, who headed the country's leading industrial house, had joined the French Army before becoming the head of the Tata Group. It is said that JRD used to speak better French than English.

 

JRD education in countries like France, Japan, and England

 

JRD was the second of four children of his father RD Tata. JRD Tata's early education took place in countries like France, Japan, and England. After that JRD joined the French army. In those days in France, it was a rule to compulsorily join the army for one year.

 

The life was saved narrowly, then the success story was written

 

After a year JRD wanted to extend this period as he wanted to get a chance to attend a famous equestrian school while in the army. But, his father refused to do so. Under compulsion, JRD had to leave the army. His decision, however, saved his life as the regiment comprising the JRD was wiped out during an operation in Morocco a few days later. This incident was the turning point of JRD's life. After that, Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata i.e. JRD Tata wrote the story of the further journey of his life, which gave him the country's highest honor Bharat Ratna. JRD Tata was the chairman of the country's most prestigious industrial organization Tata Sons for 53 years during his lifetime.

 

Joined the Tata Group as an Unpaid Apprentice

 

JRD joined the Tata Group in December 1925 as an unpaid apprentice. He joined the board of Tata Sons, the flagship company of the Tata group, soon after his father's death at the age of 22. At the age of 34, he became the chairman of Tata Sons in the year 1938 and remained in this position till the year 1991. The Tata Group grew 50 times during the tenure of JRD Tata. During his tenure, he laid the foundation of 14 Tata Group companies which include successful companies like Tata Motors, Global Beverages, Titan, and Air India.

 

JRD was the first Indian to get a license to fly an airplane

 

JRD Tata is considered the father of the civil aviation industry in India. JRD also got the license to fly an airplane for the first time in the country in 1929. In the year 1932, he founded Tata Airlines, which was changed to Air India in 1946. Air India was nationalized in the year 1953. However, in January this year, the Tata Group once again acquired Air India. This time Air India rejoining the Tata Group is like a birthday gift for JRD on his birthday.

 

The credit for fixing the eight-hour duty also goes to JRD.

 

Today, eight-hour shifts are prevalent for employees in almost all companies across the country. It was started by JRD itself in the Tata Group. He was the first to announce a free medical facility and provident fund for the employees. JRD Tata also took the initiative to give compensation to the employees in case of an accident. JRD had started the Tata Administrative Service (TAS) to carve leadership in the Tata Group on the lines of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

 

Received Bharat Ratna in the year 1992

 

During his lifetime, JRD was honored with many awards and honors for his contribution to public life. In 1954, he was awarded the Legion of the Honour, France's highest civilian award. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in the year 1955. In the year 1992, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest honor. In the year 1992 itself, he was also awarded the United Nations Population Award for his significant contribution to population control in India. He died on 29 November 1993 at the age of 89 in the city of Geneva, Switzerland.

 

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