As a young child in Petit Orphanage in Pune, Naval Tata may have never imagined that he would one day be among India’s most venerated captains of Industry. But fate does favour the brave. Described by J R D Tata as a man “with a modern mind, and always responsive to change” Naval Tata had an extraordinary ability to make both labour and leader his friend. Gregarious by nature, with a remarkable sense of humour, he always retained a sense of humility, compassion and tolerance, possible due to his humble beginnings. Yet he held strong views and ensure that when necessary they were heard.

On his birth centenary he is remembered by the country for his contribution to the country in areas as diverse as power, labour relations and sports. Extremely hardworking, Naval Tata believed that it was the only way to prosperity. His interest in establishing a congenial relationship between labour and management, as a strong votary of the principles and objectives of the International Labour Organisation won him many friends. He served as a philosopher and guide to policy makers, labour leaders and employers. “He was universally respected by all for his deep convictions and his strong belief in the role of free, strong and independent employees and workers organisations, recalls Raphael Lagasse, honorary Secretary General of the International Organisation of Employers. “Naval Tata’s diplomacy and wisdom led to successful results in delicate circumstances.”

Tata Power, then Tata Electric Company, grew to be the country’s largest private power utility under his stewardship primarily due to the fact that Naval Tata constantly braved bureaucratic control on the company’s growth, at a time when electricity generation was almost virtually in government hands. His determination to excel ensured that the company came to be regarded as the most efficient and reliable, even by global standards.

Naval Tata’s only possible regret in his illustrious professional career at the Tata Groups was the government takeover of the Empress Mills in Nagpur. Changes in government policies adversely impacted the industry bringing the Empress Mills and many others on the brink of liquidation.

For the sports lovers, the “high” that Naval tata provided to Indian Hockey is now a mere dream. At the Athens Olympics an Indian supporter was asked, “Wasn’t your team very good in Hockey?” His support had ensured that immediately after Independence the Indian Hockey team participated in the Olympics and brought home a gold medal. Four years later once again India won a gold in Hockey providing the country with an extraordinary sense of national pride.

Naval Tata inherited Jamsetji’s legacy by virtue of his “adoption” but the values and principles of his family were undeniably a part of his genes. A great visionary he devoted a part of his time everyday to matters concerning the Tata trusts, carrying forward the idealogy of corporate responsibility. As a businessman he firmly believed that “Capital formation and maximisation of production are the cardinal needs which alone can save us from distributing poverty instead of wealth”