A Jamshedpur resident pays tribute to Ratan Tata sir

The death of Ratan Tata has hit close to home for me as a Jamshedpur resident. As I wrote this piece, I was overwhelmed by the ongoing updates, social media statuses, and people reminiscing about his contributions to the society.

Every corner of Jamshedpur feels the impact of this man. His contributions are woven into the fabric of everyone’s lives, making it impossible to imagine the city—also known as Tatanagar—The Steel City—without his legacy.

As the former chairman of Tata Group, he played a crucial role in transforming Jamshedpur into a thriving industrial hub. But now, it is much more than an industrial hub. The 18 years I spent in my hometown make me proud.

Under Mr Tata’s leadership, Tata Steel, headquartered in Jamshedpur, expanded significantly. He oversaw the modernisation and global expansion of the company, which became a cornerstone of the local economy.

This establishment brought significant employment opportunities to the locals, and my father himself was a part of Tata Steel’s Tinplate Division, which is well-known for producing tin-coated and tin-free steel sheets in India. It is a subsidiary of Tata Steel Limited.

The Jamshedpur plant not only produced steel but also set benchmarks for quality and innovation in the industry, establishing Jamshedpur as a key player in the global steel market.

As a child, I didn’t fully understand the significance of living in a city that was carefully designed to provide not only economic opportunities but also quality of life. It wasn’t until I grew older that I realised how unique Jamshedpur truly is, thanks to the visionary leadership of the Tata family.

Mr Tata’s influence transcended business—he was a leader who cared for the well-being of the people. From the well-maintained roads to the lush parks like Jubilee Park, each aspect of the city carries the Tata stamp of excellence and compassion.

In response to the aforementioned developments, Jamshedpur was also recognised for its cleanliness, earning the title of the Cleanest City in Jharkhand for the fifth consecutive year during the Swachh Survekshan 2023. What a moment of pride!

Mr Tata’s contribution to carrying on the legacy of Jamsetji Tata has made Jamshedpur’s education and healthcare systems among the best in the country. The Tinplate Company, where my father worked, provided us with free residential, healthcare, and transportation facilities for our school travels.

Tata Main Hospital (TMH), is another hospital where my family and I have received healthcare treatments. It has always felt more like a community hospital than just a medical institution. The quality care there reflects the Tata philosophy of putting people first.

Education in Jamshedpur has flourished under the umbrella of the Tata initiatives. Institutions like XLRI and schools like Carmel Junior College, Loyola, and Sacred Heart are a testament to Mr Tata’s belief that education is the cornerstone of progress.

I vividly remember the March 3 celebrations when the entire city was decorated to mark the birth anniversary of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tatanagar. Mr Tata was a regular participant in the Founder's Day events.

Over the years, I saw my city grow as I did. Mr Tata’s leadership saw investments in infrastructure that improved living conditions in Jamshedpur. This included better housing, roads, and public amenities that enhanced the overall quality of life for residents.

What stands out to me the most, though, is how Mr Tata embraced Jamshedpur like his own family. Whether it was visiting the city for important events or quietly making decisions that improved our daily lives, he was always present in spirit.

His humility and genuine love for the people made us all feel like we were part of something bigger than ourselves—a shared vision for a better future. Rest in peace, sir. Your vision lives on in every life you touched, and Jamshedpur will forever be your greatest tribute.