Mohit Mishra’s Post

The passing of my lifelong role model, Ratan Tata, has left a profound void in my heart, as it has for millions of others. Though I never had the privilege of meeting him, his influence reached my family and me in countless ways. His death serves as a reminder of what truly matters when building a company. It is a noble path to touch lives and make a lasting impact. Take little, give abundantly. Be kind, always. Show compassion. Live in such a way that when Death arrives, even it seeks to understand the secret behind your remarkable journey. Here are 10 quotes from Ratan Tata that I hold close to my heart – they serve as guiding principles on my life’s journey. 1. #Success The true measure of success is in not just what you achieve, but also in how you impact others positively. 2. #Mindset None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can. 3. Facing #Adversity Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success. 4. On #Kindness Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others. 5. Walking #Together If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together. 6. #WorkLife Integration I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other. 7. On #Power and #Wealth Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes. 8. On #thinking #big Do not go in with a view that it can't be done so it should not be done. You, in the years ahead will be shaping the destiny of this country. 9. Making #decisions I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right. 10. On facing #critics Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument. "टाटा का नमक खाया है," and for that, I consider myself truly blessed. I am deeply indebted to the Tata Group and my hometown, Jamshedpur. The legacy and wisdom Ratan Tata has left behind continue to inspire millions, especially those of us from Jamshedpur.

Last night, the world lost a giant, and my heart feels heavy. Ratan Tata, a man who embodied humility, selflessness, and vision, has left us. For someone like me, brought up in Jamshedpur – a city built by the Tatas – this loss hits especially hard. Ratan Tata wasn’t just an industrialist, he was a beacon of inspiration for millions, including myself. Adopted by JRD Tata, Ratan Tata’s life was marked by simplicity, grace, and a deep love for his people. Despite being the heir to a vast empire, he worked as a foreman in the beginning, living a life far removed from the trappings of wealth. He lived in a rented apartment until his retirement, never seeking personal gain but always giving to others. He never married, but he loved deeply—both his work and the people of India. His contributions shaped our nation’s industrial foundation, and his leadership ensured that generations of students, like me, had opportunities to grow and thrive. My father worked at Tata Steel and I grew up on stories of the Tata family’s vision and generosity, stories that shaped my understanding of what true leadership looks like. As a kid growing up, two leaders shaped up thinking - they were Ratan Tata and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The last time I felt this deep heaviness in my heart was when Dr. Kalam passed away. I remember hearing about how Winston Churchill dismissed India’s potential, and yet, the Tatas proved the British wrong by building an industrial powerhouse. The Taj in Mumbai, built because J.N. Tata was refused entry into British-only hotels, stands today as a symbol of resilience and pride. Ratan Tata carried forward that legacy with unparalleled grace and integrity. He may never have known the full extent of the lives he touched, but I know that he shaped mine, my family’s, and so many others in Jamshedpur and across India. Ratan Tata was a true Karma Yogi. His humility knew no bounds, his compassion for people was limitless. When the terrorist attacks happened at the Taj Hotel, he personally ensured that not just the employees, but the street vendors who depended on the hotel were compensated during its rebuilding. He personally read every letter sent to him by employees, no matter their rank, and went the extra mile to help them. These stories are just glimpses of the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Jamshedpur, India, and the world were blessed to have this great man walk the Earth. Not an iota of selfishness, not an ounce of false pride, yet he built an empire that underpins modern Indian industry. To him, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude. Dear Lord, when will the world see such greatness again? My hero has passed, and tonight, my heart is heavy. Ratan Tata will forever be an inspiration, not only to me but to the global business community. His example will continue to guide us all.

With Jef Heyse wrapping up a great showcase at the The India Advantage Summit [TIA Summit] in Bengaluru last week, this week I am heading to Slovenia to speak at the Ljubljana Forum on uncovering the power of network-centric thinking enabling interoperability in urban mobility - parking, charging, passenger transport. Such an approach opens doors to achieve not just inclusivity and sustainability but also accelerate second order innovations that were never possible before. I very much look forward to sharing and exchanging synergies and a path forward to an interoperable future ahead. Jef Heyse | Amit Pal | Jan Kuenne | Deborah Acosta | Ann M. Marcus | Venkata Subbarao Chunduru | Antler | Beckn Protocol | FIDE | Automicle | Herman Gyr, Ph.D. | Jolanda van der Aart | Balaji Venkatraman | Marius Koerselman | Rajarshi Rakesh S. | Sampo Hietanen | sujith nair