“Ratan Tata had breakfast at his own US hotel without revealing identity”: IT firm chairman

Thiruvananthapuram: Expressing deep grief over the demise of eminent industrialist Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and Chairman of Tata Trusts at the age of 86, IBS Software Executive Chairman VK Mathews on Thursday recalled some of his interactions with the veteran industrialist.

“The most striking thing for me was his humility. Also, his sense of humour brought lightness to the room, even in serious moments, which made him all the more endearing,” Mr Mathews said.

Mr. Mathews said privately, “I had the good fortune of spending some time with Ratan Tata during his visit to the US, and two incidents from that visit will always stay with me.

“One morning, we were having breakfast together at his own hotel in New York, yet, on his instructions, he never revealed his identity to the serving staff. It was a small but clear sign of his humility,” he said.

“Later that same day, my family and I met him at another restaurant. To my surprise, he was there personally checking and correcting his food bill before paying with his credit card – a very simple thing, yet it spoke volumes about his character,” Mathews recalled. “Ratan Tata asked me with his characteristic humour, ‘Am I stalking you, or are you stalking me?'” Mathews recalled. That light-hearted remark reflected his ability to connect with others, no matter the situation.” Mr Mathews said the demise of the charismatic business leader is a great loss to the business community and the country. “Ratan Tata was a visionary leader who epitomised the energy, hope and success of emerging India,” said Mr Mathews, who is also the chairman of the Group of Technology Companies (GTech), which comprises innovative startups, small and medium-sized companies in Kerala. “Ratan Tata was more than a visionary entrepreneur, he was a leader with a deep and genuine commitment to India’s economic and social progress,” said Mr Mathews, who is also the chairman of the Group of Technology Companies (GTech), which comprises innovative startups, small and medium-sized companies in Kerala. “Despite all his achievements, he always remained down-to-earth and friendly,” said Mr Mathews, whose IBS Software was one of the first IT companies to set up shop at the state-run Technopark IT campus here.