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The Tata Saga: Timeless Stories From India's Largest Business Group
The Tata Saga is a collection of handpicked stories published on India's most iconic business group. The anthology features snippets from the lives of various business leaders of the company: Ratan Tata, J.R.D. Tata, Jamsetji Tata, Xerxes Desai, Sumant Moolgaokar, F.C. Kohli, among others.
There are tales of outstanding successes, crushing failures and extraordinary challenges that faced the Tata Group.
These riveting business stories, by some of India's top writers on the subject, bear testament to the ruthless persistence and grit of the Tata Group and make for an incredible collector's edition.
There are tales of outstanding successes, crushing failures and extraordinary challenges that faced the Tata Group.
These riveting business stories, by some of India's top writers on the subject, bear testament to the ruthless persistence and grit of the Tata Group and make for an incredible collector's edition.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2018
21 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2021
TATA Stories by Harish Bhat talks about 40 timeless tales about the journey and success of TATA groups established by Jamsetji Tata. We all must have read alittle bit here and there about Jamsetji Tata in our academic history books.
So to built more knowledge to that, I was always keen to read more about him and his various ventures of TATA group that has led name which everyone knows today and nobody will forget for the coming years.
We also get to read about his endeavours with Kalpana Chawla, Gandiji, Swami Vivekananda and many more. I still remember Tata Indica being their first successful car in 1995 which is still seen in many parts of India.
TATA group have been endorsed themselves in various industries ranging from food, clothing, accessories, motors, education, hospitality, automobiles, etc. Reading book and the journey of this big estate only sends out one and the most important which is to always keep evolving, spread your wings and the sky is the limit.
So to built more knowledge to that, I was always keen to read more about him and his various ventures of TATA group that has led name which everyone knows today and nobody will forget for the coming years.
We also get to read about his endeavours with Kalpana Chawla, Gandiji, Swami Vivekananda and many more. I still remember Tata Indica being their first successful car in 1995 which is still seen in many parts of India.
TATA group have been endorsed themselves in various industries ranging from food, clothing, accessories, motors, education, hospitality, automobiles, etc. Reading book and the journey of this big estate only sends out one and the most important which is to always keep evolving, spread your wings and the sky is the limit.
December 12, 2021
"Probably no other family has ever contributed as much in the way of wise guidance, industrial development, and advancing philanthropy to any country as the Tatas have to India, both before and since independence."
What connects the first commercial airlines, first indigenous car, first luxury hotel chain, first cosmetics brand, first iodized salt brand, first IT services company, and the first iron and steel manufacturing plant of India? The answer is none other than Tata. Very rarely one would find such diversification in the portfolio of companies! No wonder, the conglomerate is still intact after more than 150 years of its existence.
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, often referred to as the One-Man Planning Commission and Father of the Indian Industry, was the founding hero of the Tata saga. He was a man of few words and a visionary who single-handedly propelled India's economic growth in the pre-independence era. Leading from the front, he carried out his vision of a self-reliant and self-sufficient India. Long before the 'Make in India' movement, he was making India 'atmanirbhar.' "No Indian of the present generation had done more for the commerce and industry of India" is what Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of India, said on his demise and he couldn't have been more apt. But it was not just the founder's legacy but the management by the subsequent leaders that led the conglomerate to fare through thick and thin.
The Tata Saga is a collection and compilation of multiple against-all-odds stories across the different years since the company's origin. The book is a timeless tale of phenomenal successes, humiliating failures, and grueling challenges that the company faced. It is divided into three sections: the first two sections focus on the leaders and professionals who helped build this multi-billion business empire and the last section is about the selective companies and institutions that the group has established such as IISc, Taj Hotels, Tata Trusts, etc.
While the name Tata comes from a family name, to an average Indian it evokes a feeling of assurance and it's nothing short of a currency of "trust." One of the five core principles of this value-driven organization has been integrity and rightly so! Being able to keep this value alive for more than 150 years is simply magical. I'd highly recommend this book to get a "glimpse of the spirit of Tata, of the fire that burnet in Jamsetji Tata's eyes 150 years ago, and which continues to burn bright until this day."
What connects the first commercial airlines, first indigenous car, first luxury hotel chain, first cosmetics brand, first iodized salt brand, first IT services company, and the first iron and steel manufacturing plant of India? The answer is none other than Tata. Very rarely one would find such diversification in the portfolio of companies! No wonder, the conglomerate is still intact after more than 150 years of its existence.
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, often referred to as the One-Man Planning Commission and Father of the Indian Industry, was the founding hero of the Tata saga. He was a man of few words and a visionary who single-handedly propelled India's economic growth in the pre-independence era. Leading from the front, he carried out his vision of a self-reliant and self-sufficient India. Long before the 'Make in India' movement, he was making India 'atmanirbhar.' "No Indian of the present generation had done more for the commerce and industry of India" is what Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of India, said on his demise and he couldn't have been more apt. But it was not just the founder's legacy but the management by the subsequent leaders that led the conglomerate to fare through thick and thin.
The Tata Saga is a collection and compilation of multiple against-all-odds stories across the different years since the company's origin. The book is a timeless tale of phenomenal successes, humiliating failures, and grueling challenges that the company faced. It is divided into three sections: the first two sections focus on the leaders and professionals who helped build this multi-billion business empire and the last section is about the selective companies and institutions that the group has established such as IISc, Taj Hotels, Tata Trusts, etc.
While the name Tata comes from a family name, to an average Indian it evokes a feeling of assurance and it's nothing short of a currency of "trust." One of the five core principles of this value-driven organization has been integrity and rightly so! Being able to keep this value alive for more than 150 years is simply magical. I'd highly recommend this book to get a "glimpse of the spirit of Tata, of the fire that burnet in Jamsetji Tata's eyes 150 years ago, and which continues to burn bright until this day."
February 24, 2019
I don't know any other business family in India other than Tatas who succeed in inspiring the youth for not only making money and fame but also for the contribution in the field of social service and empowerment.
The Tata Saga includes several stories in detail regarding the important leaders, professionals and products of Tata. Some of them that inspired me are the stories of:
Ratan Tata
J. R. D. Tata
Jamsetji Tata
Tata Indica
Taj Hotels
IISc (Indian Institute of Science)
Also, some other case studies and stories include:
Sir Dorabji Tata
Sir Nowroji Saklatwala
Russi Mody
Sumant Moolgaokar
Xerxes Desai
S. Ramadorai
F. C. Kohli
Tata Finance
Tata Trust
In short, if you are deeply interested in case studies of Business then this book is for you.
The Tata Saga includes several stories in detail regarding the important leaders, professionals and products of Tata. Some of them that inspired me are the stories of:
Ratan Tata
J. R. D. Tata
Jamsetji Tata
Tata Indica
Taj Hotels
IISc (Indian Institute of Science)
Also, some other case studies and stories include:
Sir Dorabji Tata
Sir Nowroji Saklatwala
Russi Mody
Sumant Moolgaokar
Xerxes Desai
S. Ramadorai
F. C. Kohli
Tata Finance
Tata Trust
In short, if you are deeply interested in case studies of Business then this book is for you.
December 8, 2018
Loved the stories of the Taj Group and Tata Motors creating Indica
April 12, 2020
Jamsetji Tata founded the Tata Group in 1868 with the vision of manufacturing iron and steel in India, providing hydel power to the nation, opening a world class hotel and giving India a top-notch educational institution.
The book is a memoir on the men who made the Group that it is today. It gives us an insight into the thought process that went into the path breaking ideas that came from the Group. The book incorporates stories which we are not privy to.
Stories such as the one where the British Chief Commissioner for the Indian Railways once said, “Do you mean to say that the Tatas propose to make steel rails to British specifications? Why, I will undertake to eat every pound of steel rail they succeed in making.”
But, by World War 1, the Tatas had exported over 1,500 miles of steel rails, and Jamsetji Tata’s son Dorab stated that the Indian Railways Chief Commissioner would have suffered a “slight indigestion” had he kept his commitment.
Or the one where Russi Mody was once caught by a policeman in Mumbai for driving from the wrong side of a one-way street. As usual, the policeman remarked “Tumhare baap ka rasta hai kya?”. Russi Mody trumped him by pointing to a board bearing the name of the street, which read ‘Sir Homi Mody Street’.
The book also flirts with the odd controversies that took place in the Group. Given that the Group has been in existence for so long, it is bound to have its fair share of controversies. The book explains in brief the feud that took place between Russi Mody and Ratan Tata which ultimately led to the sacking of the former.
The Tata Group also embarked on numerous endeavors, which were termed as courageous by their contemporaries, at various points in time. For example, manufacturing of an affordable car for the masses of the country (Tata Nano) or venturing into the jewelry sector which was traditionally informal, and family led business (Tanishq). These ventures and the theory behind it find a mention in the book.
The book answers the questions such as Where does the name ‘Tata Sumo’ originate from? Who was instrumental in making Titan a successful company? Who was the founder of TCS? Which is the first indigenously developed car in India?
There is a common link that connects all the enterprises that are under the Tata Group. It is to ensure that India and Indians enjoy the products and the facilities that are available to the citizens in the developed countries. The Group believes in the concept of charity begins at home and to that effect set about building an educational institution which would be at par with any other college on the globe. Thus, the Indian Institution of Science was founded, not with the intention of deriving any financial benefit, but to ensure that the youth did not have to travel abroad to get the best formal education. The book lists the hurdles faced during construction of the same as well as the thought that went into naming the institution.
This book is an ode to those who have ensured that the Group occupies a special place in the heart of every Indian citizen. It’s about a group of people who enjoy challenges and refuse to be bogged down by a handful of naysayers. It is about a Group that has stuck to its morals even in the most trying times and has always put the needs of the country above its own. It is the one thing that has set it apart from its competitors and contemporaries. Almost everyone in the country has been touched by the Group in one way or the other and will relate to this book. It is a must read for everyone.
The book is a memoir on the men who made the Group that it is today. It gives us an insight into the thought process that went into the path breaking ideas that came from the Group. The book incorporates stories which we are not privy to.
Stories such as the one where the British Chief Commissioner for the Indian Railways once said, “Do you mean to say that the Tatas propose to make steel rails to British specifications? Why, I will undertake to eat every pound of steel rail they succeed in making.”
But, by World War 1, the Tatas had exported over 1,500 miles of steel rails, and Jamsetji Tata’s son Dorab stated that the Indian Railways Chief Commissioner would have suffered a “slight indigestion” had he kept his commitment.
Or the one where Russi Mody was once caught by a policeman in Mumbai for driving from the wrong side of a one-way street. As usual, the policeman remarked “Tumhare baap ka rasta hai kya?”. Russi Mody trumped him by pointing to a board bearing the name of the street, which read ‘Sir Homi Mody Street’.
The book also flirts with the odd controversies that took place in the Group. Given that the Group has been in existence for so long, it is bound to have its fair share of controversies. The book explains in brief the feud that took place between Russi Mody and Ratan Tata which ultimately led to the sacking of the former.
The Tata Group also embarked on numerous endeavors, which were termed as courageous by their contemporaries, at various points in time. For example, manufacturing of an affordable car for the masses of the country (Tata Nano) or venturing into the jewelry sector which was traditionally informal, and family led business (Tanishq). These ventures and the theory behind it find a mention in the book.
The book answers the questions such as Where does the name ‘Tata Sumo’ originate from? Who was instrumental in making Titan a successful company? Who was the founder of TCS? Which is the first indigenously developed car in India?
There is a common link that connects all the enterprises that are under the Tata Group. It is to ensure that India and Indians enjoy the products and the facilities that are available to the citizens in the developed countries. The Group believes in the concept of charity begins at home and to that effect set about building an educational institution which would be at par with any other college on the globe. Thus, the Indian Institution of Science was founded, not with the intention of deriving any financial benefit, but to ensure that the youth did not have to travel abroad to get the best formal education. The book lists the hurdles faced during construction of the same as well as the thought that went into naming the institution.
This book is an ode to those who have ensured that the Group occupies a special place in the heart of every Indian citizen. It’s about a group of people who enjoy challenges and refuse to be bogged down by a handful of naysayers. It is about a Group that has stuck to its morals even in the most trying times and has always put the needs of the country above its own. It is the one thing that has set it apart from its competitors and contemporaries. Almost everyone in the country has been touched by the Group in one way or the other and will relate to this book. It is a must read for everyone.
April 23, 2021
Its the story of a very unique corporate house that has existed since the late 1800s and has served India in multiple ways since the very beginning. First informally and then formally through its twin trusts. Majority of the distributed earnings are ploughed back into India. This book lists the pioneering managers who created and nurtured value and the great corporate houses they built in the process and their many interesting experience. Its worth a read not only to know about the TATAs but to also know about India. Must read for all those who love their country.
There is also some humour and exciting exchanges courtesy JRD. Personally I feel J N tata was the best of the family followed by Dorabji.
If you read up on tatas you will be convinced that one of the best decisions early Indians took was to let zoroastrians fleeing an islamic Iran settle in this country. They have returned the favour many times over. We should give them a collective token of thanks.
There is also some humour and exciting exchanges courtesy JRD. Personally I feel J N tata was the best of the family followed by Dorabji.
If you read up on tatas you will be convinced that one of the best decisions early Indians took was to let zoroastrians fleeing an islamic Iran settle in this country. They have returned the favour many times over. We should give them a collective token of thanks.
November 5, 2024
When I was taking business courses in India I came across the lessons of R. Gopalakrishnan, whom fascinated me so much, I ended up reading about him and his work background. That opened the door to the Tata empire, a family and brand you can’t escape when living in India. This book tells multiple stories and anecdotes on how this family built a wealth that is shared within the country and always aims to advance the development of India. A fascinating story that taught me multiple lessons on leadership with a purpose, effectiveness and compassion.
February 8, 2019
The book has some good insights about Tata's, Tata companies and their trust's and how they guided and advanced industrial development and philanthropy. Especially loved the chapter on S Ramadorai and Tata Indica.
This book also covers Tata's interaction with then British government and post-independence Nehru and Indira Gandhi; how adopted socialism created hurdles in companies path but they marched forward.
Post this book I will be moving to The Tata Group by Shashank Shah.
This book also covers Tata's interaction with then British government and post-independence Nehru and Indira Gandhi; how adopted socialism created hurdles in companies path but they marched forward.
Post this book I will be moving to The Tata Group by Shashank Shah.
September 19, 2020
An inspiring tale of Tata empire and made me firm believe of capitalism, how the visionaries Industrialist change the destiny of thousand of individuals, raising the standards of living and making a valuable impact of country economy. Griping story of how the larger than life business are made in simple language.
January 13, 2022
Great book to know about the contribution of Tata's for the country. After you complete this book you will realize that India will be a whole different country if Tata's were not there. They have done a lot for this country that no one can ever do and still they are continuing the work.
July 20, 2022
Great book to learn about the prominent personalities and institutions associated with the Tata Legacy. There are multiple books on this topic and this book is more of a compilation of key excerpts.
December 5, 2019
"Tatas have provided,at crucial times, the healing touch."-S.S. Prabhu.
January 23, 2021
Great Read. Truly Inspirational stories of business legends from one of the reputed business houses in India. Well summed up.
March 5, 2021
Read it, be grateful for the Tatas and read it again.
December 21, 2021
Review to come...
December 22, 2021
Incredible book
July 27, 2022
Thank you TATA.
April 18, 2019
Very good knowledge about not only an organisation, but also people who built and sustained it. Pure stories of value and human feelings, with true determination and goodness
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews