Even at a time when abusing capitalism and capitalists is considered smart politics, Tata name evokes unmatched respect.
Not too long ago, on February 5, 2021 to be exact, #BaratRatnaForRatanTata was trending in India.
It was being discussed and supported even on February 28, 2021.
So much so that Ratan Tata himself had to make a public comment expressing disapproval.
We live in a time when the last names of capitalists are used as a slur and a synonym of dishonesty and profiteering.
It is unbelievable that commoners would vote their approval for bestowing the highest civilian award on a doyen of capitalism.
You have to be a Tata to be in a position of commanding this respect among the ordinary masses.
And there is a reason for this.
When a Ratan Tata leads a more austere life than a certain Maoist Arundhanti Roy, you know that you are looking at the best of capitalism that delivers progressive prosperity, ignoring the abuses, curses and slogans of advocates of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism-PolPotism who believe in delivering constant and equal misery to everyone.
More than 65% of shares of Ratan Tata is invested in charitable trusts.
There are more Tata named trusts than real and authentic peer-reviewed Maoist and Leninist named parties, study centres and discussion groups in the entire world.
The Tata Trusts, and there are so many of these ranging from J N Tata Endowment to Sir Dorabji Tata Trust to Sir Ratan Tata Trust to Lady Tata Memorial Trust, have not only contributed to nation-building, but also created some of the best institutes in India that count among them Indian Institute of Sciences and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research too.
You only have to speak to a child saved from cancer by a Tata hospital to know the immense difference Tatas have brought to the life of Indians.
All our lives are touched by Tatas in some way.
And all this happened because a certain profit-seeking trader J N Tata chose to leave his mark on this world through enterprise and industry.
No one feels the impact of his enterprise and benevolent capitalism more than someone living in Jamshedpur.
Through responsible corporate culture and behaviour, Tatas have proven to be the best ambassadors of capitalism.
Winston Churchill was right when he said, “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”
