ASIA/INDIA - Bishops on the death of businessman Ratan Tata: "A beacon of compassion" esteemed by the Catholics

Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) - "Ratan Tata was an icon among entrepreneurs, a visionary leader and a philanthropist whose indelible contribution to society will be remembered for generations," said the Indian Bishops' Conference on the death of the well-known Indian businessman Ratan Tata, who died on October 9 at the age of 86. The former chairman of the "Tata Group", which operates mainly in the automobile sector, was a "beacon of mercy and generosity". "Through the Tata Trusts and his numerous philanthropic initiatives," say the bishops, "he changed the lives of millions of people by supporting the cause of the marginalized and playing a fundamental role in the development of India. His unwavering commitment to social justice, education, healthcare and rural development was closely aligned with the core values of the Catholic Church, particularly its mandate to serve the poor and the vulnerable,” the statement said. The moral and spiritual legacy of Tata, who was born into a family of Parsi origin, is particularly recognized for his “ethical leadership, integrity and commitment to social causes” that “set a new standard for corporate social responsibility in India.” In addition to his remarkable contribution to the Indian economy, “he did not lose sight of the need to help the underprivileged,” the statement said. The Catholic Church in India recognizes him as an “extraordinary human being” and hopes that “his inspiring leadership and boundless generosity” will inspire many people and entrepreneurs in India, especially the youth, to “work for the betterment of society and serve others with selflessness and compassion.” Catholics will work together with all Indian citizens from all cultural and religious groups "for a fairer and more balanced society, realizing the values that Tata upheld and lived throughout his life," the bishops assured. The Claretian missionary George Kannanthanam, who lives with lepers in Sumanahalli near Bangalore, commented: "Tata was a great role model by putting the Christian principles of truth, justice, equality, humility and mercy into practice." "He spent most of his wealth on the welfare of the weaker sections of the population. He created great institutions for social welfare and development that changed India's social landscape. He supported educational centers to encourage youth," the priest recalls. "As an entrepreneur, he stood by the workers and gave them dignity and hope. He made life better for the disabled and the elderly,” the priest continues, describing Tata as “a different kind of businessman, compassionate, guided by the Gandhian motto: When you make a decision, think whether it will benefit the poorest person in the country.” For all this, he was loved by the 700,000 employees of his 19 companies in more than 100 countries, with a net worth of $400 billion. For example, in 2012, when the Tata Steel Company in Jamshedpur was downsized from 78,000 to 40,000 employees, the entrepreneur ensured that all laid-off workers continued to receive their wages until retirement age. “A decision that is unprecedented in history anywhere else in the world,” Father Kannanthanam notes, recalling that Tata’s total contribution to various charitable initiatives is roughly estimated at around $100 billion. If "God loves a cheerful giver, God loves Ratan Tata very much," he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 17/10/2024)

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economy

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entrepreneurship

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common good

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human rights

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