J.R.D. Tata Exhibition

An exhibition on "J.R.D. Tata" was curated by Tata Central Archives to commemorate his 98th birth anniversary.

It was inaugurated by Dr. J.J. Bhabha, Vice Chairman and Managing Trustee, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust at Tata Central Archives, Pune on July 29, 2002.

The exhibition contained letters, photographs, memorabilia and other relevant documents showcasing the life and contributions of J.R.D. Tata to India. Also on display was the attire worn by J.R.D. Tata when he received the Bharat Ratna, along with his Air Commodore uniform and his convocation gown.

Born in Paris on July 29, 1904. He spent over seventy years of his working life in India. He was catapulted to head of the Tata group, India's largest industrial conglomerate when he was barely thirty-four. As Chairman of the group he guided the destiny of India's largest business house for well over half a century and helped establish many new enterprises. His was a life which often shaped history – he pioneered civil aviation in India (Air India), encouraged and supported Homi Bhabha's ambition to catapult India into the nuclear age (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Initiated the family planning movement much before it became the official government policy (Family Planning Association of India), etc. A philanthropist by nature, he wanted India to be a happy and prosperous country, and waged a long battle against the misguided policies of a controlled economy that stunted the country's industrial growth.

J.R.D. Tata's achievements extended beyond the ambit of business to the institutions he helped create. He set standards of integrity in business which may be equalled but never surpassed. The exhibition endeavoured to portray the 'man who touched power but remained untouched by it'.

Dr. J.J. Bhabha, Vice Chairman and Managing Trustee, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, inaugurated the Exhibition on J.R.D. Tata

Visitors keenly viewing the panels on display

A guided group tour in progress

Students from Sardar Dastur School engrossed in reading the exhibition panels

Students viewing the citations awarded to J.R.D. Tata

Students taking notes on the life and contributions of an inspirational individual

Some of the older students admiring the various tools on display in J.R.D. Tata's Home Workshop

Teachers and Students from St. Mira's College for Girls on a tour of the Exhibition