| I am writing to convey my deep appreciation of the advertisement, which
Tata Steel has put out recently in several magazines, showing the close association of
Jamshetji Tata and JRD Tata a many great leaders of India's Freedom Movement. I had read
time back about the amazing correspondence between Jamshetji Tata and Swami Vivekananda
and their joint voyage to America. I had then thought of suggesting to you that your Group
highlight this inspiring but little-known part of the history of India's industrial and
scientific development. I was therefore heartened to see that you have already translated
this concept into communication. You will agree that this concept (Tata Group's
association with the nationalist cause, both before and after Independence) has immense
communicative potential beyond the ad that has now appeared in a section of the print
media. It needs to be communicated widely in diverse creative messages through television,
in the non-English print media, outdoor media and in other ways targeted at specific
influential audiences. This would no doubt be useful to your Group, re-establishing and
further reinforcing the Tatas' unique nationalist legacy. But in writing this letter I am
prompted by the larger benefit that such communication would bring to the new generation
of entrepreneurs in our country who know little about the close compact between the
pioneers of India's industrialization and the leadership of the Freedom Movement.
Even in today's age of globalisation, India's political and business establishments
need nationalism as a source of inspiration, energy and direction – enlightened and
broad minded nationalism which does not shut its eyes to the changes in the international
situation that inevitably take place from time to time but which, nevertheless, does not
shy from being assertive when national interests ate at stake. This is the true meaning of
Swadeshi, an idea that is as relevant now as in the time of Gandhiji and Jamshetji Tata,
although its meaning and application have doubtlessly changed.
Before I conclude, let me express another bit of appreciation – for the new Indica
that I saw at the Auto Expo last month. Very best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Sd/- Sudheendra Kulkarni |
