“Ratan Tata had breakfast at his own US hotel without revealing his identity”: Chairman of an IT company

Mr Mathews said Ratan Tata was committed to India's economic and social progress.

Thiruvananthapuram:

VK Mathews, Executive Chairman, IBS Software, on Thursday expressed deep sadness over the demise of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and Chairman of Tata Trusts, at the age of 86 and recalled some of his interactions with the legend .

“What struck me most was his humility. “Also, his sense of humor brought lightness to the room even in serious moments and made him even more endearing,” said Mr. Mathews.

On a personal note, Mr. Mathews said, “I had the privilege of spending some time with Ratan Tata during a trip to the US and two events from that visit will always remain in my memory.”

“One morning we had breakfast together in his own hotel in New York, but on his instructions he never identified himself to the wait staff. It was a small but meaningful gesture of humility,” he said.

“Later that same day, my family and I happened to meet him at another restaurant. To my surprise, he was there and personally checked and corrected his food bill before paying with his credit card – something so simple but that spoke volumes about his character,” Mathews said.

“With his trademark humor, Ratan Tata asked me, 'Am I following you or are you following me?' This light-hearted comment reflected his ability to connect with others, no matter the situation,” Mathews recalls.

Mr Mathews said the death of the charismatic business leader was a great loss to the business community and the nation.

“Ratan Tata was a visionary leader who embodied the energy, hope and success of emerging India. Ratan Tata was more than just a visionary entrepreneur, he was a leader with a deep and real commitment to India's economic and social progress,” said Mr Mathews, who is also Chairman of the Group of Technology Companies (GTech), which brings together innovative startups belong. small and medium enterprises in Kerala.

“Despite all his successes, he always remained down-to-earth and approachable,” added Mathews, whose IBS Software was one of the first IT companies to set up shop at the state-run Technopark IT campus here.

Mr. Tata passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 86.

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