THE Peenya Industrial Area witnessed a significant event in honor of the birth anniversary of the late Sri Ratan Tata, India’s peerless industrialist who reshaped the country’s corporate landscape on December 28, 2024.
From Inspiration to Tears: Ratan Tata’s Birthday Event That Resonated Deeply.
Sri Ratan Tata’s contributions to India go beyond corporate success. Under his leadership, the Tata Group became a global powerhouse while remaining deeply committed to values like integrity, sustainability, and social responsibility. From launching the Tata Nano to making bold acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, Tata demonstrated that Indian entrepreneurs could lead on the world stage. His impact wasn’t confined to business; Tata’s philanthropic work through Tata Trusts has touched millions of lives, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and rural development.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the late Sri Ratan Tata, the Peenya Industries Association (PIA) organized a grand event, on 28.12.2024 to honor his remarkable contributions to the nation. The celebration presided over by PIA President Sri Shiva Kumar R, was a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most visionary and influential leaders.
The event was attended by Sri R. Manjunath, former MLA of the Dasara Halli Constituency, and graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Sri P Ramada, Founder Director of ACE Designer Ltd (AMS). Other dignitaries who attended included Sri H.N. Srinivas, Senior Advisor, Skill Development, Tata Trusts, Sri B.G. Dwarakanath, Independent Director of Ace Designer Ltd, and Sri Jagadish Shekhar Naik, Co-founder and CEO of Talen tree.
What sets Ratan Tata apart is not just his success in business but his unwavering commitment to making a difference in society. His work reflects his belief in ethical leadership, his compassion for people, and his resolve to bring positive change to India. His enduring focus on societal welfare continues to inspire countless individuals and organizations to strive for greater impact.
The panel discussion provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how Ratan Tata’s entrepreneurial mindset has been a driving force behind the transformation of Indian industries. His ability to think beyond borders and challenges and take bold, strategic risks has paved the way for countless startups and small businesses to thrive.
One of the most poignant moments of the event came from Sri H.N. Srinivas, Senior Advisor at Tata Trusts, who shared a deeply emotional and inspiring personal account from the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
Srinivas recounted the harrowing night when the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel came under attack, and how Sri Ratan Tata stood firm as a pillar of support for the victims. As the city was gripped with fear and uncertainty, Ratan Tata’s resilience and empathy shone through.
He recalled how he, along with other rescue personnel and volunteers, stood outside the Taj hotel, witnessing the devastation. Despite the chaos and confusion, Ratan Tata showed exceptional courage, assisting in the evacuation efforts and ensuring the safety of both guests and staff. According to Srinivas, Tata was deeply involved in comforting the victims, and offering help to those who were injured and stranded in the building.
Sri Srinivas shared heartwarming stories about Tata personally reaching out to the affected families, offering them financial support, and ensuring that the hotel staff were taken care of in the aftermath of the tragedy. He highlighted how Tata’s leadership extended far beyond the boardroom, demonstrating a profound commitment to humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.
“Ratan Tata’s true legacy,” said Sri Srinivas, “lies not just in the buildings he built or the companies he led, but in the way he touched lives during our darkest hours. He led not from the front in the conventional sense, but from the heart.”
PIA’s tribute to Ratan Tata was not just an homage to a great leader but also a commitment to continuing his work to shape a better, more prosperous India. Through such initiatives, PIA fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. just as Ratan Tata has done throughout his illustrious career. The event concluded with the unveiling of the PIA 2025 Calendar.
But even as the final moments of the program unfolded, the air in the auditorium remained thick with reflection. As attendees slowly began to rise, many walked out with damp eyes and a renewed sense of purpose. No one hurried. No one spoke casually. The emotional weight of the evening lingered long after the formalities had ended.
A key highlight of the day was the launch of the “Food on Wheels” program, a collaborative initiative between PIA and Gram Vikas Society, aimed at providing free meals to the underprivileged in the Peenya Industrial Area. The launch was marked by the ceremonial flag-off of the mobile food service by Sri Shiva Kumar R, alongside Sri Shriyans Kumar Jain, Board Member of KBCWWB, and Sri Jagadish Shekhar Naik.
This program, which symbolizes Tata’s spirit of social responsibility, was launched with support from Sri Rohan Siri and Smt Shammy Siri of Universal Knowledge Trust, PIA OBS, and MCMs. The initiative is a testament to the fact that Ratan Tata’s legacy extends far beyond business achievements; it’s also deeply rooted in social causes.
