Tata Group, the largest Indian conglomerate is currently valued at $100 Billion. They have a presence in software, engineering, chemicals, automobiles, salt, and tea. The group was established by Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata. When the British Empire was at its peak and Indians were ruled by their colonial masters, Tata made moves to displace their rule. The Tata Group of Industries was the first Indian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1868. JRD Tata (founder of Air India) became the first Indian Chairman of the group in 1938. JRD Tata saw significant opportunities in the airline’s growth and expansion. The partnership of Tata Group and Air India helped the Indian Government to set up an airline that would become Tata Air India. This article will give a glance how JRD Tata and Ratan Tata related and some facts about JRD Tata. Also, read the auto biography of JRD Tata.
JRD Tata – The Father Of Indian Aviation
In the auto biography of JRD Tata, his service as an ace pilot during World War 1 for Royal Flying Corps is clearly mentioned, showcasing his likeness for flights and airlines. One of the fantastic facts about JRD Tata is that he was the first Indian to get a pilot license.
Under his guidance and leadership, Air India became one of the leading airlines in the domestic sector with a fleet of 27 aircraft. JRD Tata was succeeded by his nephew Ratan Tata. That is how JRD Tata and Ratan Tata related to each other.
JRD Tata – Early Life, History, And Auto Biography Of JRD Tata
29th July 1904, the birth anniversary of JRD Tata. He was a non-resident Indian aviator, industrialist, entrepreneur, chairman of Tata Group, and founder of Air India. JRD Tata was born in Paris, France to Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and his French wife, Suzanne Briere. He was French by nationality and French was his first language. He attended his early schooling in France and later his higher education in London, Japan, France, and India.
One of the facts about JRD Tata was not only that he could speak French but write and read it well along with English. He was also appointed in the French Army as a secretary to a colonel. Upon completion of the job, he came back to India and gave back his French citizenship, and accepted Indian citizenship. Being the first Indian to have a flight license, he popularly came to be known as the “Father of Indian civil aviation”. In 1932, JRD Tata founded the first commercial airline in India, Tata Airlines.
According to the auto biography of JRD Tata, his friend Nevill Vintcent helped him get the commercial license. In 1946, Tata Airlines was changed to Tata Air India, now the national airline of India. JRD Tata, the founder of Air India, joined the Tata Sons and was elected as the chairman in 1938.
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Tata Group And Air India – Expansion And Development
Under his direction, the huge empire of Tata Group maintained interests in engineering, chemical, power, and hospitality. The facts about JRD Tata that made him famous were that he maintained his values and ethical standards of not bribing and involvement in the black market.
During his leadership, the companies’ assets saw a hike from $100 million to $5 Billion. Being the trustee of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, he founded the first cancer facility in Asia, the Tata Memorial Centre for Cancer, Research, and Treatment. Along with this, he also founded the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and the National Centre for Performing Art. Tata Motors was one of the biggest achievements, launched in 1945 by JRD Tata, founder of Air India.
Soon after, Tata Air India was made the first international airline in India. The merging of Tata Group and Air India not only benefited the company’s profit shares but had a huge hand in the development of India’s airline infrastructure and ease of traveling. The combination of Tata Group and Air India hiked Indian development.
Tata Hierarchy – How JRD Tata And Ratan Tata Related?
JRD Tata was the son of Ratan Dadabhoy Tata who was a cousin of Sir Dorabji Tata. Upon his death, JRD Tata succeeded him and excelled in the company. In 1991, JRD Tata was succeeded by his nephew, Ratan Tata.
Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata, the adopted son of Sir Ratanji Tata. Upon the death of Ratan Tata’s parents, he was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata. This is how JRD Tata and Ratan Tata related to each other.
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Amazing Facts About JRD Tata – The Founder Of Air India
- JRD Tata was French by birth and could fluently speak and write French. Later he changed his citizenship from French to Indian.
- He was very passionate about technology and airlines, as a result, JRD was the founder of Air India, the first Indian airline.
- He was the first Indian to have a flight license and was also known as the Father of Indian Aviation for his notable works in the field.
- Under his leadership, many science and research-related institutes were founded to promote science and arts in the country.
- He was the only businessman to be felicitated with the highest civilian honors, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna in 1955 and 1992, respectively.
- JRD Tata also served in the French Army as a secretary to a colonel because of his language expertise in both French and English.
- JRD Tata took Tata Group to its full potential by introducing and founding Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Tata Salts, Voltas, and Titan.
- JRD Tata was also awarded the French Legion of Honor for his military merits in France.
- JRD Tata took his last breath in Geneva, Switzerland because of an infection in his kidney. The Indian Parliament was adjourned in sorrow after he passed away, an honor not accorded to non-parliamentarians.
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The Endnote
JRD Tata is a source of motivation for many youngsters. The Father of Indian Aviation took industrialization to heights of glory, presenting India with its first airline. His works are no doubt highly notable and appreciable. We should acknowledge his efforts and take inspiration from such an excellent personality.
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