Niira Radia, the former corporate lobbyist who navigated the intricate world of public relations for the Tata Group for years, recently spoke about her close relationship with the late Ratan Tata. In a poignant interview with NDTV Profit, Radia offered a glimpse into the life of the industrialist, philanthropist, and former chairman of Tata Sons.
Radia, who established the now-defunct Vaishnavi Corporate Communications, described Ratan Tata as a man driven by a profound dream: “He had a dream, and his dream was for the people, always for the betterment of people, and always for the better of people, betterment of people of India,” she said. This tribute marked Radia’s first public appearance in over a decade, a gesture she explained as a homage to Tata’s legacy. “It’s what Ratan would have wanted me to do,” she shared.
Radia went on to offer insights into the kind of person Ratan Tata was, painting a picture of a man who prioritized action over words. “He was certainly a shy person,” she noted, “but more shy by choice. He liked doing things than talking about them in public.”
During the interview, Radia described Ratan Tata as a visionary dreamer, emphasizing his role in shaping India’s global presence. “His approach to bringing in globalization was for a goal of bringing back the technologies to India and upgrade our own, our platforms, and our companies,” she stated.
Radia also recounted Tata’s vision for the iconic Tata Nano, the one-lakh rupee car, which he first shared with a leading UK newspaper. Tata’s vision was to make something affordable for the common man, allowing them to move beyond the limitations of motorcycles. The one-lakh rupee price tag was his dream, she revealed. “Forgive me for saying this, but he didn’t want people to get wet in the rain and be in a car and be safe,” Radia said, emphasizing Tata’s desire for safety and comfort for the average person.
Radia shared a moment of disappointment, detailing how Ratan Tata was disheartened by the Nano’s initial struggle to gain traction. Tata’s vision was to contribute to the development of West Bengal through the project, but he encountered political hurdles, she explained. “He was a courageous man. So when he took the decision, I remember, it was the press conference going on at that time with Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and he announced Singur, and I was standing and just because at that time, we were not told which would be the site,” Radia said, showcasing Tata’s unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Radia also revealed that she maintained a close relationship with Ratan Tata, even after stepping back from her public role. She shared that their last meeting took place just two to three months before his passing, and they remained in regular phone contact. “We always talked on the phone whenever we could. What is nice was that we remained good friends much after, and actually, we reminisced many moments,” she said.
Radia also shared a heartwarming anecdote, recalling an encounter Tata had with a Tata Indica owner in Dubai. The owner expressed his appreciation for the car, surprising Tata who initially expected criticism. “Sir, sir, I have an Indica. And he looked at me, thinking, somebody’s going to complain. But the gentleman said, Sir, no, I love your car. It’s lovely. I bought the car, and I bought a Tata car, and he (Ratan Tata) loved shaking hands, and he shook his hand, and he was so happy to hear that the joy in his face was so amazing. And then when he walked away, he said to me and Krishna Kumar, see, they like it,” Radia recounted, capturing Tata’s genuine delight in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Ratan Tata’s passing left a void in the Indian business landscape, but his legacy of innovation, social responsibility, and unwavering commitment to India’s progress continues to inspire. Niira Radia’s remembrances offer a unique and personal glimpse into the heart and mind of a true visionary, a leader who dedicated his life to empowering his nation.
