According to
Tisco Review ( April 1933), “ the late Mr. D. M. Madan first conceived of the idea of
holding an annual demonstration that should give each member of the whole staff an
opportunity of expressing his regard for the memory of the genius to whose faith and
judgment, energy and perseverance, the Works and town of Jamshedpur and its environs bear
enduring witness. At the same time the ceremony was devised so as to enable each worker to
demonstrate his pride of membership in an organisation already so potent, and burgeoning
with the promise of a new India.”
Tata Steel first celebrated Founder’s Day in the year 1932. An article written by T
Annaji Rau published in the Tisco Review in 1933 paints a colourful picture of the maiden
celebrations.
Mr. Rau wrote,“ Crowds of people, with flowers, garlands in hand, clothed in garments
of different fashions and colors, singing and dancing were seen moving merrily from every
part of the city, and by six o’clock in the morning, the Tisco Mill premises were
crowded with people. The officers of the various departments arranged their men in front
of their respective offices and places of work, and each troop marched with slow and
measured tread, singing in praise of the great patriot and the |
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Company. One
contingent after another marched to Mr. J. N. Tata, with flags, flowers and banners, and
deposited them in front of the statue, and paid their true and sincere homage to the
benefactor of humanity and marched out through the Main Gate, where people from far and
near gathered in huge crowds to witness the procession. In every face, there was seen true
devotion and great veneration to the departed patriot. By noon, the statue presented a
very picturesque sight, the flowers thrown in front and around it having reached to the
height of the shoulders. To add to the enjoyment of the public, the Prana
Prathishta ceremony of the Andhra Bhakta Sree Rama Mandiram (opening ceremony ) was
celebrated that very day, and a large number of people attended.”
The 1932 Founder’s Day celebration also included an essay writing competition.
‘Life and Work of Mr. J. N. Tata’ written by Mr. A. P. Som won the first prize.
In this essay Mr. Som covered Mr. Tata’s struggle and journey to glory.
He wrote,“ there is no more illustrious name in the roll of India’s pioneer
captains of industry than that of Mr. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the merchant-prince and
seer-patriot, whose birthday anniversary we have the proud privilege of celebrating
today.” |
