Ratan Tata's legacy, delay in elephant census, and tomato prices soar
Oct 11, 2024
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Girish Kuber, editor of Lok Satta and author, reflects on the profound legacy of Ratan Tata, a titan in Indian business known for his humility and philanthropy. Jay Mazoomdaar uncovers alarming delays in the elephant census, revealing significant population declines and the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies. Finally, Parthasarthi Biswas discusses the surprising rise in tomato prices, examining the economic factors contributing to this spike and its impact on consumers. A blend of industry insights, environmental concerns, and agricultural trends makes for a captivating listen.
Ratan Tata's legacy showcases how values and business growth can coexist, transforming Tata Group into a global powerhouse while emphasizing philanthropy.
The delayed elephant census underlines significant population declines due to habitat loss, stressing the need for urgent government policy intervention.
Deep dives
Legacy of Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, was a highly respected figure in Indian industry who passed away at the age of 86. His rise to prominence is remarkable given that he was not born into the Tata family but was adopted, with an upbringing that emphasized education and independence. Upon returning to India after studying abroad, he chose to work at Tata Steel instead of taking a lucrative position at IBM, demonstrating a commitment to shaping India's industrial landscape. His leadership saw the Tata Group flourish during the liberalization era of the 1990s, as he strategically modernized the company and expanded its global footprint through acquisitions.
Achievements and Acquisition Strategy
Under Ratan Tata's stewardship, the Tata Group embarked on a significant acquisition strategy, acquiring several companies such as Tetley and Jaguar Land Rover. This expansion was not only a testament to his business acumen but also aligned with the broader economic liberalization in India, which allowed businesses to thrive in a competitive environment. Tata’s vision played a crucial role in transforming the group from originally being minorities in ownership to leading figures in various sectors, thereby revitalizing the brand's legacy. The growth trajectory he instigated made Tata a household name, showcasing that values and growth could coexist successfully.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Ratan Tata was also known for his dedication to philanthropy, emphasizing social responsibility long before it became a trend in corporate India. He invested heavily in healthcare, education, and community welfare, exemplified by his immediate response to the victims of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. His commitment was not just limited to Tata employees, providing aid to others affected during the tragedy, showcasing his compassion and sense of duty towards society. This genuine approach to philanthropy reflected the long-standing ethos of the Tata Group, which emphasizes giving back to the community and engaging in meaningful social initiatives.
Current Issues: Elephant Population and Tomato Prices
The government has delayed releasing the elephant census report, despite significant findings indicating declines in elephant populations across various regions. Some areas have experienced sharp decreases, particularly in Kerala where numbers have dropped by over 50%. This situation highlights ongoing threats like habitat loss due to mining and infrastructure development, emphasizing the necessity for timely policy interventions. Additionally, skyrocketing tomato prices are attributed to diminished sowing and adverse climatic conditions affecting crop yields, with current prices soaring to over 120 rupees per kilogram, highlighting economic challenges for consumers and farmers alike.
First, Loksatta editor Girish Kuber discusses the legacy of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, who passed away on Wednesday.
Next, The Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdaar explains why the government has delayed the release of the latest elephant census and why its findings are concerning. (16:51)
Finally, The Indian Express' Parthasarthi Biswas sheds light on the reasons behind the recent surge in tomato prices. (29:00)
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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