Today I wrote an article on the just published Forbes Richest list , and on the very same time when I was typing it, I was taken back 23 years back again and again .
So without any delay wrote down this memory below, that had made a profound impact on me since.
It was the year 2003 winters, and I was a young enthusiast (those days called IT journalists), eager yet nervous, desire to interview one of India’s greatest industrialists—Ratan Tata.
At that time, he was already a towering figure in the business world, leading the Tata Group, a name synonymous with trust, ethics, and nation-building.
I had read about him, admired his leadership, and heard stories of his vision, but nothing could prepare me for what I was about to experience.
The Unexpected Warmth of a Legend
Stepping into the Tata headquarters in Mumbai, I was fully aware of the gravity of the moment.
Here was a man leading a conglomerate that had built India’s first steel plant, first luxury hotel, first IT giant, and even the first car entirely designed in India.
A man whose decisions shaped industries, whose influence reached across the globe.
I had been told that his schedule was packed—meetings with CEOs, government officials, and global business leaders filled his day.
I assumed I would just be one in a long line of people seeking his time, perhaps lucky to get a quick handshake before he moved on.
But what happened next left me stunned.
As I was escorted into his office, he stood up to greet me personally, smiling warmly while i just trumbled in an instance.
Instead of rushing through formalities, he asked about me, my background, and even my thoughts on the business world.
I was taken aback—this was a man who could have easily waved me off or assigned the interview to someone else. Instead, he made me feel important.
“I Have Only 10 Minutes, But Let’s Talk”
Midway through our conversation, his assistant reminded him that he had a meeting to attend. I immediately prepared to leave, not wanting to take any more of his valuable time.
But Ratan Tata simply smiled and said, "I have only 10 minutes, but let’s talk."
I guess He must have heard me requesting the Staff there for a small time.
He could have politely excused himself, and I wouldn’t have blamed him. After all, I was just a Technology enthusiast covering a feature for a magazine—he had billion-dollar deals and major decisions waiting for him. Yet, he chose to pause, sit back, and give me his attention.
We didn’t even have a formal interview—it was just a simple conversation. We spoke about the future of India, the importance of ethical business, and how companies should be built to serve people, not just profits.
His words weren’t rehearsed, nor were they meant for headlines—they were genuine, straight from the heart.
The Moment That Changed My Perspective on Wealth
As I walked out of his office, my mind raced.
Here was a man who, if he had personally owned Tata Sons, would have been the richest Indian, possibly even the richest man in the world—with a potential net worth of over ₹30 lakh crore ($360 billion). for a reference point Mukesh Ambani - $92 Billion while Elon Musk - $330 Billion as of April 2025.
Yet, his true wealth wasn’t in money—it was in the respect, integrity, and love he had earned from millions.
He didn’t own luxury yachts or private jets. He didn’t live in a fortress of gold and marble. Instead, he lived a simple, humble life, dedicating Tata’s success to building schools, hospitals, industries, and livelihoods for India.
And despite all that, he made 9 minutes for a enthusiast like me.
A Lesson for a Lifetime
It’s been over two decades since that meeting, but the memory is as fresh as ever. The respect and humility he showed that day left a mark on me for a lifetime.
We often measure success in numbers—how much money we make, how many assets we own, how high we rank on billionaire lists.
But those 9 minutes taught me that true greatness is measured in humility, kindness, and how we treat others—no matter who they are.
That day, I didn’t just meet a Industrialist.
I met a legend.
I met a leader who defined greatness, not by wealth, but by the respect he gave to everyone around him.
And that, I believe, is why the World doesn’t just admire Ratan Tata—they love him. ❤️
"I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration.
Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other."
- Ratan Tata
To give you a Perspective of TATA GROUP during 2001 -2003.
✅ Tata Motors: Turned around with Indica, later became a global auto leader.
✅ TCS: Used the IT slowdown as an opportunity to grow and became India’s biggest IT company.
✅ Tata Tele Services: Faced stiff competition but built a telecom foundation that contributed to Tata’s digital business.\
Scenario in 2001-2002:
- The Indian telecom industry was booming, but Tata was a late entrant.
- Reliance Infocomm and Bharti Airtel dominated the market, making competition tough.
- Tata Tele Services focused on fixed-line and CDMA-based mobile services.
Key Developments:
- Launch of Tata Indicom (2002):
- Entered mobile telecom using CDMA technology.
- Aimed at affordable, widespread connectivity, especially for middle-class consumers.
Competition & Challenges:
- Faced intense competition from GSM-based operators like Airtel and Hutch (now Vodafone Idea).
- CDMA technology was not as popular as GSM, limiting handset options.
Strategic Investments & Expansion:
- Partnered with NTT DoCoMo (Japan) to bring advanced technology.
- Expanded telecom operations across multiple Indian cities.
Also Read: Why Ratan Tata is the Wealthiest of All
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