Harish Bhat

#TataStories in Hindi

Last month, the Hindi translation of my book #TataStories was published by Penguin Random House. The translation into Hindi has been done by Dr. Sanjiv Mishra. The book is already drawing wonderfully positive reviews.

Please do take a minute to watch my video message on this book, below. There is a story behind this message.

My publishers suggested that I record a video message in Hindi, because this would be most appropriate for a Hindi book.

Unfortunately, I am not very proficient in spoken Hindi. So initially I hesitated. I asked a couple of my friends, who encouraged me to go ahead. They also smiled at me and wished me well.

Sitting in the safety of my home, I self-recorded this video message on my Apple iPad. The first five takes were terrible, so I deleted them immediately. What you see below is the sixth take. My first ever video in Hindi.

I look forward to your views and critique. Also, please feel free to rate this video message on a scale of 10.

I will use a simple average of all your ratings to know whether I have passed this Hindi exam.

The Hindi edition of #TataStories is now available on Amazon, on this link (https://lnkd.in/dWFm2ye7). It contains 40 real-life stories that can inspire us, even provoke us to do more with our own lives. I would be delighted if you decide to read it and / or gift it to your loved ones.

Unlike my video message, the Hindi stories in this book are superbly narrated by the translator Dr. Mishra, who is a master of the language.

#tatastories #hindi #india

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)
Shots of Inspiration

5. Tata Airlines

Tata Airlines, India’s first commercial airline, was founded by JRD Tata, in 1932. Within a few years, the airline was flying to many places, as the interesting picture of 1939 (shot below) shows.

The airline was known for its punctuality, in keeping with JRD’s philosophy of achieving perfection in whatever we do. In its first five years, Tata Airlines had a published punctuality average of 99.4%.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation, in its report of 1933-’34, said : “As an example of how an air mail service should be run, we commend the efficiency of Tata Service, who…completed a year’s working with 100% punctuality. Our esteemed trans-continental airways, alias Imperial Airways, might send their staff on deputation to Tatas to see how it is done.”

One of the first pilots of Tata Airlines, Capt. K. Viswanath, has spoken of the early days of the airline. “The year I joined we carried only 14 or 15 passengers. We had to carry the mail ourselves on the plane and offload it. Including JRD Tata – we were postmen.”

That’s how a start-up, founded by passionate people, spreads its wings.

Look forward to your comments. Even a few words is fine. Thank you.

(Shot below : Courtesy Tata Archives)

#tatastories #india

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)
 
27. Tribute to JRD Tata #2
 
Later this month, we mark the 117th birth anniversary of JRD Tata, legend of Indian Industry.
 
In tribute to JRD Tata, I hope to bring you some vignettes and rare photographs from his life, over the next few weeks.
 
JRD is known to all of us for his multifold contributions to India, as a captain of Indian industry. He founded the country’s first commercial airline, and under his leadership many other companies of the Tata group also took birth. Amongst them, TELCO (now Tata Motors), Tata Tea (now Tata Consumer Products), Tata Consultancy Services and Titan.

He was also instrumental in the establishment of Institutions of national importance, such as the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and NCPA.
 
But did you know that, while JRD worked hard to make all this happen, he was equally fond of many other facets of life.

He was very fond of the city in which he lived, Mumbai. Once, speaking at a civic reception in 1983, he recalled “the Bombay of my youth with its magnificent harbour, its shaded wooded hills, its flowering trees…how happy a place it was in which to live and work, a city of which we could be proud.”
 
The beautiful photograph below captures both JRD’s love for Mumbai and his zest for the simple pleasures of life.

Here he is, on Chowpatty beach in Mumbai, all by himself, in a bush shirt and with his trousers rolled up like any of us, to enjoy the sand and the waters of the sea. Behind him, you can see many people enjoying the beach too. The expression on his face says it all – happiness and satisfaction at an evening well spent.
 
For many more stories and snippets about the Tata group, I invite you to read my new book #TataStories. The book contains 40 inspiring stories from Tata history, and is available on Amazon (https://lnkd.in/eB_vbQf). Author royalties are committed to the Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata.
 
What thoughts come to your mind when you see JRD Tata in this photograph? Look forward to your kind comments. Even a few words is fine. Thank you.
 
(Photograph courtesy of Tata Central Archives, Pune.)
 
#tatastories #india

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)

38. An extraordinary woman

This is a birth anniversary tribute to an extraordinary woman, who was born this very month, October 1879.

She evangelised and fought for the Sarda Act, which made child marriage illegal in India. The Act was eventually passed in 1929.

She was deeply committed to the cause of women's education in India, and was one of the founders of the National Council of Women.

A powerful global spokesperson for the women of India, her spirited 1927 speech at the Battle Creek College (now Andrews University), Michigan, USA, is worth its weight in gold.

Along with her husband, she pledged their entire wealth, including the famous Jubilee Diamond that she owned (245 carats, twice as large as the Kohinoor) to save Tata Steel from collapse.

She was an avid and proficient tennis player, winning over sixty prizes in tennis tournaments. She always played in her Parsee saree, driven by her pride in her nation, and perhaps also to make a point to the British rulers of the time.

Her name - Lady Meherbai Tata. It is amazing that she did all the above, nearly a century ago.

She passed away of leukaemia in 1931. The words on her tombstone read - “She died as she had lived, working nobly for the cause of the women and the country, which she loved and served so well.“ May her life continue to inspire all of us.

For more stories about Lady Meherbai Tata, and other legends of the Tata group, I invite you to read my new book #TataStories. It contains 40 remarkable stories and many anecdotes, which can inspire you. The book is available on Amazon (https://lnkd.in/eB_vbQf). Author royalties are committed to the Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata.

Look forward to your kind comments. Even a few words is fine. Thank you.

(Photograph - courtesy Tata Central Archives, Pune)

#tatastories #india

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)

21. The Maharajah

Bobby Kooka was recruited into Tata Airlines by JRD Tata, in 1938. A brilliant marketing brain, he decided to give the airline a human face, that could represent India with charm and dignity.

By 1940s, Tata Airlines had been re-christened as Air India, with JRD Tata as Chairman. At the first booking office, located at Churchgate in Mumbai, Bobby Kooka, working with Umesh Rao of J. Walter Thomson, created “an oriental potentate, sitting on a magic carpet, smoking a bubble hookah.”

This was the beginning of the Air India Maharajah, born in 1946, perhaps India’s first own advertising mascot. He went on to win millions of hearts across the world.

Fifty years before Google thought of its frequent Google-doodles, Kooka made the Maharajah take up many interesting avatars – including as a lover boy in Paris, sumo wrestler in Tokyo, guru in Rishikesh.

The single minded objective, for JRD and Kooka, was to create a beautiful, elevating symbol of India which the world could fall in love with. The beautiful, timeless Air India Maharajah is a tribute to their dreams.

Please join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Maharajah this year.

Look forward to your kind views. Even a few words is fine. Thank you.

#tatastories #india

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)

103. 120 years of the Taj

Last week, the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai celebrated its 120th birthday. This hotel had been created by Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata group. He had wanted to give his beloved city and country a fine luxury hotel that would bring in visitors from all across the world.

I was privileged to be present at the 120th birthday event of the Taj. The hotel was bedecked for the occasion. A brilliant sound-and-light show showcasing this history of this splendid Institution was also launched.

That evening, I paused for a moment beside the bust of the Founder, on the landing of the grand staircase, looked up the dome, and stood in awe of the Taj of Apollo Bunder. A hotel which has withstood two world wars, two pandemics, a terrorist attack and much more. A hotel which is a symbol of a proud and resilient India.

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I was also inspired to write a poem to wish Taj on its 120th birthday. I hope you enjoy reading this.

She is the Taj
 
So stately she stands by the mighty sea
Since birth an icon, will always be.
A symbol of courage, resilience and love
To her tonight, we take a deep bow.
 
To her tonight, we gather here to sing
A little birthday song that takes such lofty wing
For she is the Taj, a timeless crown
A jewel of India, treasure of our town.
 
Built by a man for the love of his land
On his wonderful story does she fearless stand
To our founder we pay warm tribute tonight
To his wonderful dream and great foresight.
 
Stories of royalty, you and me
Here they live, and here you see
Life’s most beautiful textured hues
So many colours and so many views.
 
She is the Taj, the best that we know
The finest there is, the warmest glow.
A palace that turns into a home
A dream that lives beneath its dome.
 
She is the Taj, and we fondly say
Darling, wish you a lovely birthday !
 
Look forward to your kind comments. Even a few words is fine. Thank you.

(An author's request : For your holiday reading, please do consider my new book “Restless Lives“. This beautifully crafted volume of poetry offers you an oasis of quiet contemplation. It can inspire for you new thoughts for the new year. Here is a link on Amazon : https://lnkd.in/dsUEtzpg)

#tatastories #taj #india

Saluting bravehearts

On the other side of the storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it.

We salute the heroic spirit, resilience and invisible courage of the bravehearts of 26/11.

We stand together in honour of these gallant heroes.

#India #Mumbai #TajHotels

What is the best expression of culture ?

Last week, I was privileged to deliver a session on organisational culture at a wonderful program organised by the Sadhguru Academy. This is one of the finest programs I have been part of - so beautifully curated and superbly organised. Congratulations to the organisers.

I spoke drawing on my long experience with the Tata group. One of the most important points I made is that the best expression of an organisation's culture lies in the aggregation of real human stories that have transpired in the Company.

These real-life stories bring to the fore how leaders and managers have behaved with each other and with the world outside, which is what culture is all about. No theory or fancy framework can substitute for this.

I narrated many stories of the culture I have experienced in the Tata group over the past 37 years, including this one from my own experience.

Way back in 1992, when I got married, I was a young Deputy Manager in Tata Tea. My boss, (late) R.K. Krishna Kumar, who was the then Managing Director of the Company, took time from his busy schedule to travel all the distance from Kolkata to Mangalore, to attend my wedding. These two cities are so far apart, and not even connected by a direct flight. It entailed more than an entire day of his time.

This story is a wonderful expression of care for your team members, which is integral to the culture of the Tata group. Could any theory have expressed this culture better? In my view, no. This is also a story that I will never forget in my lifetime.

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The program at which I spoke was interestingly titled “Human is not a resource“.

Sadhguru JV spoke beautifully about the genesis of this title - why resources are finite (eg. minerals, money, etc.) whereas human beings, on the other hand, have limitless possibilities. So how can humans be classified as resources?

Good organisational culture plays a key role in bringing out the possibilities inherent in each of us, in motivating each of us to play to our potential.

****

I am also keen to talk a bit about the huge and impressive statue of Adiyogi that I saw and admired at the Isha Ashram near Coimbatore, where this program was held. How did this impact me? I will speak about this in my next post.

Welcome your kind comments. Even a few words is fine. Thank you very much.

Ashutosh Pandey Sangeeta Prasad Sanjay Rastogi

Bajjis and Hot tea

While travelling on work, it is important to eat well. The best accompaniment to a hot cup of tea in the evening is undoubtedly a plate of spicy bajjis.

Yesterday at a highway restaurant near Salem in Tamil Nadu, I feasted on the most delicious bajjis with my hot and flavoury tea. It was drizzling outside, which added to the charm.

Three bajjis made of raw banana, chilli and onion, respectively. They were mouth wateringly delicious.

The three chutneys served with the bajjis were even more spectacular - made with coconut, curry leaves and brinjal. The brinjal chutney was a real surprise.

There is so much positive energy in a plate of bajjis! I felt incredibly refreshed after this evening snack.

What do you think? Look forward to your views on bajjis, pakodas and other tea time snacks! Thank you.

#food #tea #coffee #india #travel #foodie

#BhatSmile (But Smile 😀 )

5. Soup and Mona Lisa

Last week, I read an interesting news report that some people had thrown soup at the famous painting of the Mona Lisa, at the Louvre in Paris.

I studied the newspaper carefully for further details, and found that they had thrown pumpkin soup. This intrigued me. Why pumpkin? Why not tomato soup, or sweet corn soup?

I read out this news item to my wife, and asked her this question. She looked at me with suspicion. “Weren't you at the Louvre in Paris a few days ago?“, she asked. I admitted that I was, but assured her that I am not a person who recklessly throws soup around.

She reminded me that I had actually thrown some excellent soup into the kitchen sink three years ago, saying that it tasted like dish water.

“That was such a waste of wonderful soup, and totally insensitive of you“, she said. For the next fifteen minutes she revisited every single detail of that unfortunate episode.

Then she ended by saying - “Now that you have retired, why don't you make us some hot pumpkin soup?“

So now here I am, faced with the task of making pumpkin soup for my own Mona Lisa. If I don't accomplish this soon, I don't think she will have a smile on her face. In fact, I may be in the soup.

I am now hunting for recipes for pumpkin soup. Any help is welcome.

I should never have read out that news article to her. As Steve Jobs famously said, we never know how the dots will connect. Kaddu hoon Main.

Wish you a wonderful weekend.

#humour #soup #monalisa #tatastories

Short Tata Stories (SHO-T-S)

9. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)

In 1943, a young scientist wrote to JRD Tata. He said–“The lack of proper conditions & intelligent financial support hampers the development of science in India..“

He had received job offers from Cambridge & Princeton, but felt “it is one’s duty to stay in one’s own country” and drive national progress.

He put forward a proposal to build a school of physics, comparable to the world's best, and sought support from the Tatas.

This scientist was Dr. Homi Bhabha. JRD Tata encouraged him, his proposal was considered by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.

The Trust saw how Dr. Bhabha's vision would immensely benefit India. It offered him the required financial support in establishing TIFR.

When India began its atomic energy program, TIFR had already trained scientists to steer this critical effort. When “Apsara”, India’s 1st atomic reactor was built, its control systems were built here. India’s first digital computer, TIFRAC, was developed here.

The Government took responsibility for TIFR in 1955. It functions today under Dept. of Atomic Energy. TIFR is our nation's pride.

(Pic-JRD Tata admires a bust of Dr. Bhabha at TIFR)

Request your comments, even a few words is fine. Thanks.

#tatastories #india

Why are men wearing such flowery colourful shirts?

Recently I met a college batchmate and friend Srinivas Shastri at a get together in Bangalore. We had studied together at a rather serious business school in Ahmedabad forty years ago.

We smiled hugely when we discovered that both of us were wearing flowery, colourful shirts.

The question is, why are some men like us suddenly wearing these extremely colourful shirts, having ditched our sedate blues, checks and stripes?

This is an important enquiry, so all views are welcome!

(Author’s note : Many of my books have colourful jackets too. If you wish to check them out, here is a link on Amazon. https://lnkd.in/dk6eRix9. Thank you.)

#dress #design #colours #men #shirts #humour