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Ratan Tata was surprised by Narayana Murthy’s invitation to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room at Infosys despite TCS being a direct competitor.
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Murthy honored Jamshedji Tata’s legacy, considering him a patriotic Indian beyond corporate rivalries.
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Tata and Murthy demonstrated mutual respect, with Murthy presenting Tata with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
In 2004, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, extended an unexpected invitation to Ratan Tata, leading Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room. Tata’s surprise stemmed from the companies’ direct competition. However, Murthy’s explanation highlighted Jamshedji Tata’s transcendent legacy as a patriotic Indian, surpassing corporate rivalries.
Tata accepted the invitation, and the event became a defining moment in Indian corporate history, showcasing respect beyond rivalry. Murthy fondly recalled Tata’s humility and kindness during the visit, which left a lasting impact on the Infosys team. Their professional rivalry didn’t interfere with their personal respect, evident in 2020 when Murthy presented Tata with a Lifetime Achievement Award at TiEcon Mumbai [1).
Murthy’s heartfelt tribute to Tata, following his passing at 86, underscored the deep loss felt by the business world. “Ratan was a giant in Indian industry, not just for his achievements, but for his decency, humility, and patriotism,” Murthy reflected ¹. This poignant moment encapsulates the enduring legacy of two Indian business leaders who rose above competition to forge a lasting bond of mutual respect.
