the-joy-of-achievement--a-conversation-with-j-r-d-tata

by r-m-lala

For six decades J.R.D. Tata headed India's largest industrial conglomerate with uncommon success. This was only one aspect of his life. He was also a man of great sensitivity who suffered at the loss of friends and was pained by the poverty he saw around a philanthropist who wanted India to be 'a happy country' and did all that he could to make it a man with a passion for literature, fast cars, skiing and, of course, flying. This book, by the author of the best-selling The Last Blue Mountain, records JRD's thoughts on a variety of subjects. In these pages he speaks of the House of Tatas and his style of management, about how he nearly joined the freedom struggle in the early 1940s, about the 'thrill of living a little dangerously', his love of music and wine, and the writers he likes to read. He speaks also, with striking candour and insight, about the failures of socialism, the future of India and his association with stalwarts like Jawaharlal Nehru. Jayaprakash Narayan, Vallabbhai Patel, Indira Gandhi and Henry Kissinger. Towards the end of the book, in the final year of his life, we see him come to terms with death, God and the afterlife. '...A spellbinding book.' motivation of one of the giants of Indian industry.' --Financial Times, London 'Few tributes have so movingly or so appositely refracted the spirit of a colossus who, though born to the proverbial bold and beautiful lifestyle, was to leave an indelible imprint on so many aspects of contemporary India.' --The Pioneer

Genres: Biography, Business, Nonfiction, Management

Paperback

First published October 14, 2000

Reviews

[Neeraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book by R.M.Lala, that gives us a peek into the life and the thought process of JRD Tata, the doyen of Indian Industry. It tells us, how men become great through their actions and not just by their
birth. A good read, which prompts you to reconsider the way you would like to live your life.

[Nishant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree Jeh was born with a golden spoon...but worked his way to ten... and brought India to the centerstage of the world!

[Soham Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book which gives some rare insights into one of the greatest industrialist on modern India. R.M.Lala as usual is fluet and clear with his style.

[Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few notes from Jeh :)

"To Russi Lala, with warm and sincere thanks for taking so much trouble in the preparation of this book. The only thing in it unworthy of its beauty being its contents"

"An ethical life is part of the an economic life"

"Friends who tell me it is ridiculous and foolhardy for an octogenarian to ski, fly a plane or drive fast cars, do not understand the thrill and sense of self-fulfillment obtained from living a little dangerously"

"To lead men, you have to lead with affection"

"To be a safe pilot, you must know how to spin"

"Despite all the difficulties, all the frustration, there is a joy in having done something as well you could and better than others though you could"

This book is filled with lot of information about pre-independent India, freedom fight, natural calamity, and how an industrialist philanthropist shaped the future of India and cared for the compatriots in each and every section of progress like - Economy, Research, Aviation, Literature, Fine Arts, Energy, and almost everything.

I have developed huge respect for the Tatas and their devotion for India as a family.

The best thing about this book is that it creates a live picture of Jeh, as you read you feel like you are talking to a friend. It also has few sketches drawn by himself.

His love for poems, learning language, Tata Airlines(~now Air India), Aviation, Skiing, love for the countrymen is so much to appreciate.

He believed in people and their power and empowered them to take economic progress of the country.

I think, every compatriot and person who likes to dream and live life to the fullest in every situation should read this book and shower love to the Tata family.

Small script from his keynote -
"I now leave you, dear reader, with the option either to put away the book, or to turn the page and read"

I request you that you read :)

cheers

[Veenit Mavani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good sneak peak into life or J.R.D. Tata's life. While this book isn't the chronicles of his life but an addendum that was published post his demise. It has specific instances about his life indicating the personal life and his demeanor.

[Ankur Dixit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the stories and events about jrd Tata from childhood to death it's insiparational book ...good one

[Er. Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to know about the great man.

[Ashraf Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

" He touched the sky, and it smiled
He stretched out his arms, and they circled the globe
His vision made giants out of men and organisations"

Nothing more to say about JRD Tata...a pioneer whose vision changed the entire outlook of modern India...a man of principles and the founding father of Air India and many other organisations and projects...

with the current sorry state of affairs with Air India, the men-in-charge are a disgrace to the dreams of that great Visionary...

[Saju Vallikkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read to know more about the personal traits of JRD and his management/leadership style. Even though I started this book as part of my studies of SMP from IIM-C, I got attached to the content of the book that gave a lot of great qualities of JRD - Management style, as a visionary and his long term visions, how he inspired his team, his care of details while in Air India.. Overall a good read.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of a super human who paved the way of what we see the India of today...when asked he said 'I do not want India to be a super power, I want India to be happy'

I had the honor of working for Tata's and later meeting JRD and the author in person. Tata's build a nation and they build its people. I wish industry leaders of today had the vision the Tata's have.

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good read. :)

[Sangeet Sagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Values stronger than steel.
Highly recommended