On October 9, a humble businessman and great philanthropist left this world, leaving behind a memorable legacy. Ratan Tata was known for his down-to-earth nature and generosity. He was a businessman whose every move became a story. One such lesser-known story is when Tata apologized to an IPS officer. In 2009, during a grand event in Mumbai, Tata Motors launched the Tata Nano, priced at Rs 1 lakh, making it affordable even for the middle class. Ratan Tata learned that the world-famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman had created a cartoon about it, and he later sent a thank-you letter to him. This incident was recalled by IPS officer Harish Baijal
As the world mourns the passing of esteemed businessman Ratan Tata, famous for elevating Tata Group on the global stage with his remarkable achievements, inspiring stories highlight his noble, sophisticated, and brave persona. As Baijal reminisces about his time with Tata, he recalls a touching thank-you note.
According to a Loksatta report, Baijal was serving as Deputy Commissioner in Mumbai’s Traffic Control Branch in 2009. Around that time, Tata Motors launched the Tata Nano at a price of just Rs 1 lakh, realizing the dream of many lower-middle-class families to own a four-wheeler. When the vehicle arrived at the Mumbai Traffic Branch during testing and clearance procedures, it was viewed positively.
Baijal was serving as Deputy Commissioner in Traffic Control Branch in Mumbai in 2009. During that time, Tata Nano was launched at a price of Rs 1 lakh, realizing the dream of many lower-middle-class families to own a four-wheeler.
During this process journey, Baijal managed to build connections with prominent personnel at Tata Motors, such as Vice President Krishnakant, Marketing Chief Debashish Ray, and Girish Wagh, the creative mind behind the Nano model. Baijal fondly remembers the grand unveiling of the Tata Nano in Mumbai when they were kindly invited by company officials, and given the honour of sharing the stage with Ratan Tata. That very day saw the unveiling of a cartoon by the renowned artist R.K. Laxman. It portrayed his famous “Common Man” warmly welcomed by a turban-clad doorman in a high-end hotel, opening the car’s door for him. On discovering the existence of such a cartoon, Ratan Tata was quick to apologize, noting that in the hustle and bustle of the day’s event, he hadn’t paid attention to the cartoon.
Living in a police community in Worli, Baijal frequented the seaside for his regular walks. During these walks, he frequently came across Usha Laxman, daughter of the renowned R.K. Laxman. They often shared interesting conversations. On one occasion, they found themselves discussing an interaction with Ratan Tata during the Tata Nano launch event. Usha was pleasantly surprised when she came to know that her father had received a letter of praise from Ratan Tata himself. The celebrated cartoon artist, R.K. Laxman was lauded by Tata for his outstanding caricature associated with the Tata Nano.
