Self Criticism Could Derail Indian Growth: Ratan Tata

Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata said that he hoped India will continue to prosper and grow as an economic power and not destroy itself in self criticism as it was doing right now. Tata did not specify what he was referring to, but his comment comes amidst widespread public debate over policy paralysis and a spate of scams that have rocked the country in the past few months. “I am very proud to be in India at a time when it has emerged from a developing economy to an emerged nation in this part of the world,” Tata said at a function where he was conferred the Life Time Achievement Award by the All India Management Association. “I hope India will continue to prosper and grow and see itself as an economic power. I also hope India does not destroy itself in self criticism as it is doing now,” he said. Recounting his rise, after he succeeded JRD Tata as the chairman of the century-old group around 20 years ago, Tata said he initially wondered how he could be a clone of his illustrious uncle. “I figured I could not be like him and have to be my own self.” He said there were three factors that helped him in transforming the group from being an old world business conglomerate to a diversified global company much bigger in size, compared with what it was two decades ago. He identified the three factors as the legacy of integrity in how to do business left behind by JRD Tata, the opening up of Indian economy, and the spirit and support of employees.