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JEH: A Life of J.R.D. Tata
New illustrated biography of one of India's great entrepreneurs, industrialists. Also useful on the evolution of Indian business and the modern economy
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 30, 2020
The book isn’t a biography. It more or less lists milestones and events in JRD’s life.
July 31, 2020
“AAPRO TATA” I understand why JRD was called by this name after reading this book. This book signifies amazing journey of JRD! I simply picked this book as I found JRD very handsome. But I would have to say he was Handsome not only by looks but also by heart and mind. There are lot many things we do not know about TATAs and we Indians are privileged to have them as part of our country. I have to say it literally runs in the family as we witness RATAN TATA currently. Tata has nurtured India like a small kid from before independence and they keep doing it. Whatever India is today Tata family plays very important and pioneer role in it. This book had me from the first chapter even though I am not good with dates and it kept me going to know more and more.
December 20, 2019
It's only when I started reading, did I realise that this is the first book I will read on the illustrious Tata group story.
For a man to go on for so long, make so much happen, and in the process, achieve so much in a single life, is awe-inspiring. So like every book that captures his journey, this one too makes for a great read.
For a man to go on for so long, make so much happen, and in the process, achieve so much in a single life, is awe-inspiring. So like every book that captures his journey, this one too makes for a great read.
June 4, 2018
One of the best books I've read, emotionally connected to it!!
The way the legend has lived his life, setup organizations and served the society. All of them have been described in a way which can never be forgotten!
The end of the book made me cry!!
The way the legend has lived his life, setup organizations and served the society. All of them have been described in a way which can never be forgotten!
The end of the book made me cry!!
July 8, 2010
about makers of india... n their visionary..attitude
September 8, 2018
Such a phenomenal man, JRD!
August 28, 2020
A good book! Nice snippets from JRD’s life. Would have loved it if they would have given the insights about his thinking processes.
June 5, 2022
His finely honed aptitude, unusual wittiness, never-ending sanguinity and translucent mental picture are evident in every chapter of this book.
What readers will find in this book is not simply the proposals and schemes and initiatives of the most triumphant industrialist in India, but also the image of a committed organizer whose concerns extended further than his own wellbeing and that of the people close to him.
JRD was always prying about the people who worked for him; he wanted to know the whole thing about them, predominantly the manner in which they worked.
The author writes: “His peon once told Sabavala when he first came in, never to hide papers that he had not worked on by putting them away in a drawer, because saab would come and open every drawer to see what work was awaiting…”
He detested shallowness but was tolerant in accepting an authentic mistake.
What he would never accept was droopiness of any kind. He hated settling for second best, and persons found themselves on the wrong side of his legendary short temper if he suspected that they were sloppy, or not pulling their weight in the organisation.
A stickler for cleanliness and tidiness, JRD also detested anyone who told lies. He was very quick to gauge whether his staff was working hard or not. JRD spent many hours in his office. The result was that his subordinate staff had to spend even longer hours.
But if he had a short fuse, he was also big enough to admit his errors. He once wrote a hand-written note to Moolgaokar apologising for an outburst citing stress and insomnia.
He ended by saying that his affection and admiration for him (Moolgaokar) would never change. Little wonder then, that JRD commanded the lifelong loyalty, respect and affection of some of the finest technocrats in India.
The quest of the elevated realm' had not been a concern in JRD’s life.
JRD believed that God was love and later approved that too much would be incomprehensible if there was no God.
'Whatever his views on God and religion, JRD believed in reincarnation. Almost certainly, JRD's views on this subject, are best expressed in what he told Rev. Fr. M.M. Balaguer, former principal of St.Xavier's College, Bombay:
To me religion is service – one must play one's role.'
In the Bhagavad Gita , Karma Yoga is illustrated as the mental restraint or approach that administers the actions of an individual. This means, an individual practising Karma Yoga does acts that are predestined for him whatever be his state (Ashrama) or rank with the compact confidence that he does them simply because these are fated for him; he does not aver recognition for doing these acts, nor does he wish any produce or gain from the presentation of these acts.
Lord Krishna speaks vastly of Janaka and other Raja Rishis who are realised souls but are also engaged in their duties as rulers. It is very probable that the common man is inspired to imitate their obligation to responsibility — discharging one's duties for duty's sake.
And there can be no denying that JRD, did just that, all his life, and with unequaled composure and unassuming nature.
This is the story of the Father of Indian Industrial revolution – the story of a genius.
Most recommended.
What readers will find in this book is not simply the proposals and schemes and initiatives of the most triumphant industrialist in India, but also the image of a committed organizer whose concerns extended further than his own wellbeing and that of the people close to him.
JRD was always prying about the people who worked for him; he wanted to know the whole thing about them, predominantly the manner in which they worked.
The author writes: “His peon once told Sabavala when he first came in, never to hide papers that he had not worked on by putting them away in a drawer, because saab would come and open every drawer to see what work was awaiting…”
He detested shallowness but was tolerant in accepting an authentic mistake.
What he would never accept was droopiness of any kind. He hated settling for second best, and persons found themselves on the wrong side of his legendary short temper if he suspected that they were sloppy, or not pulling their weight in the organisation.
A stickler for cleanliness and tidiness, JRD also detested anyone who told lies. He was very quick to gauge whether his staff was working hard or not. JRD spent many hours in his office. The result was that his subordinate staff had to spend even longer hours.
But if he had a short fuse, he was also big enough to admit his errors. He once wrote a hand-written note to Moolgaokar apologising for an outburst citing stress and insomnia.
He ended by saying that his affection and admiration for him (Moolgaokar) would never change. Little wonder then, that JRD commanded the lifelong loyalty, respect and affection of some of the finest technocrats in India.
The quest of the elevated realm' had not been a concern in JRD’s life.
JRD believed that God was love and later approved that too much would be incomprehensible if there was no God.
'Whatever his views on God and religion, JRD believed in reincarnation. Almost certainly, JRD's views on this subject, are best expressed in what he told Rev. Fr. M.M. Balaguer, former principal of St.Xavier's College, Bombay:
To me religion is service – one must play one's role.'
In the Bhagavad Gita , Karma Yoga is illustrated as the mental restraint or approach that administers the actions of an individual. This means, an individual practising Karma Yoga does acts that are predestined for him whatever be his state (Ashrama) or rank with the compact confidence that he does them simply because these are fated for him; he does not aver recognition for doing these acts, nor does he wish any produce or gain from the presentation of these acts.
Lord Krishna speaks vastly of Janaka and other Raja Rishis who are realised souls but are also engaged in their duties as rulers. It is very probable that the common man is inspired to imitate their obligation to responsibility — discharging one's duties for duty's sake.
And there can be no denying that JRD, did just that, all his life, and with unequaled composure and unassuming nature.
This is the story of the Father of Indian Industrial revolution – the story of a genius.
Most recommended.
February 17, 2022
The legend of JRD Tata is difficult to contain in a book but the author has done a great job of handling the biography in a best possible way.
There have been many books about the life of JRD and how he build his empire.This book serves as a concise refresher to those books and scales his empire brick by brick, also for the people who are reading about JRD for the first time, gives his various facets and dimensions as a man.
Even though he inherited a grand behemoth of an organization, he stamped his indelible mark all along the way as his lasting legacy, which has been well documented in this book.
As much as this book is about JRD it also chronicles how successive governments systemically killed industrialization and how India lost the golden years. Companies after companies were nationalized and we can all see today where these companies stand in terms of operational efficiency. India as a country owes a lot of gratitude to this man who spearheaded the wave of industrialization in this country. The TATAs contribution to nation building is astounding and this book talks a lot about the companies they built. Great insights on his leadership style as well.
This biography is a beautiful rendition of his life. Gem of a person, philanthropist, aviator, visionary and a man of great honour. Also a very nicely illustrated book on JRD's life , his achievements , his personality , his working style and his dedication towards his work.
Overall, Wonderful insight in to the life of a great man, pioneer & doyen of Indian industry.
There have been many books about the life of JRD and how he build his empire.This book serves as a concise refresher to those books and scales his empire brick by brick, also for the people who are reading about JRD for the first time, gives his various facets and dimensions as a man.
Even though he inherited a grand behemoth of an organization, he stamped his indelible mark all along the way as his lasting legacy, which has been well documented in this book.
As much as this book is about JRD it also chronicles how successive governments systemically killed industrialization and how India lost the golden years. Companies after companies were nationalized and we can all see today where these companies stand in terms of operational efficiency. India as a country owes a lot of gratitude to this man who spearheaded the wave of industrialization in this country. The TATAs contribution to nation building is astounding and this book talks a lot about the companies they built. Great insights on his leadership style as well.
This biography is a beautiful rendition of his life. Gem of a person, philanthropist, aviator, visionary and a man of great honour. Also a very nicely illustrated book on JRD's life , his achievements , his personality , his working style and his dedication towards his work.
Overall, Wonderful insight in to the life of a great man, pioneer & doyen of Indian industry.
April 22, 2020
India was in the able hands of this Parsi visionary. For the younger generations “What is good for India, is good for the Tata’s!” is definitely a statement to reckon!
Post partition, the turmoil of a young nation was subjected (unknowingly) mentored and pioneered by 2 well known personalities: JRD Tata and Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw. These eminent individuals brought out the finest for India owing to their individual traits of discipline and hunger for the best through Industrialisation and Military.
Nationalisation of aviation was salient as the political scenario had to be promising for the general population and before the world. This didn’t disheartened this legend, who took this move in his stride and handed over the most important aspect of JRD Tata (as an individual!) to the country.
JRD Tata and Tata group, have not only been an integral part of uplifting our nation but also never made a hue and cry about their work or contribution to the society!
I am proud to be an Indian and extremely happy to read this beautifully articulated years of JRD Tata from 1904 - 1993 by the author @bakhtiyar dadabhoy.
Post partition, the turmoil of a young nation was subjected (unknowingly) mentored and pioneered by 2 well known personalities: JRD Tata and Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw. These eminent individuals brought out the finest for India owing to their individual traits of discipline and hunger for the best through Industrialisation and Military.
Nationalisation of aviation was salient as the political scenario had to be promising for the general population and before the world. This didn’t disheartened this legend, who took this move in his stride and handed over the most important aspect of JRD Tata (as an individual!) to the country.
JRD Tata and Tata group, have not only been an integral part of uplifting our nation but also never made a hue and cry about their work or contribution to the society!
I am proud to be an Indian and extremely happy to read this beautifully articulated years of JRD Tata from 1904 - 1993 by the author @bakhtiyar dadabhoy.
December 19, 2019
A concise brief of the life of JRD, well written
There have been may books about JRD and his life and business decisions. This book serves as a concise refresher to those books and for the people who read about JRD for the first time, gives his various facets and dimensions as a man. Even though he inherited a grand behemoth of an organization, he stamped his indelible mark all along the way as his lasting legacy, which has been well documented in this book.
There have been may books about JRD and his life and business decisions. This book serves as a concise refresher to those books and for the people who read about JRD for the first time, gives his various facets and dimensions as a man. Even though he inherited a grand behemoth of an organization, he stamped his indelible mark all along the way as his lasting legacy, which has been well documented in this book.
June 18, 2020
A book for those who are passionate to know the contributions made by the Tatas to India. There is almost no sphere of life where they've not contributed - space, atomic energy , chemicals, steel making, automobile, consulting and lastly JEH's passion:Aviation. Feel proud to know about a great Indian like him.A must read for sure
September 22, 2018
Life of JRD , nicely written, short book , easy to read ,
Very nice book , Very nicely illustrated book on JRD Tata life , his achievements , his personality , his working style and his dedication towards his work
Very nice book , Very nicely illustrated book on JRD Tata life , his achievements , his personality , his working style and his dedication towards his work
April 12, 2020
India's own Superhero.
Tata name is enough for an Indian. I have no words for the achievement and deeds of Tata family. It make me feel grateful towards Sir Jamsetji Tata, Sir Jehangir Ratanji Dorabji Tata, Sir Ratan Tata.
Tata name is enough for an Indian. I have no words for the achievement and deeds of Tata family. It make me feel grateful towards Sir Jamsetji Tata, Sir Jehangir Ratanji Dorabji Tata, Sir Ratan Tata.
January 22, 2019
Amazing person
Enjoyed reading the life of JRD. The book gives a good insight of yge life of JRD. Enjoy reading !!!
Enjoyed reading the life of JRD. The book gives a good insight of yge life of JRD. Enjoy reading !!!
May 5, 2019
Poorly written
May 25, 2019
It's a tribute
Don't read this book for gaining too many insights but just as tribute to one of the founders and indeed pioneers of Indian industry and a great human being
Don't read this book for gaining too many insights but just as tribute to one of the founders and indeed pioneers of Indian industry and a great human being
July 21, 2019
Must read for every citizen of India.
It is a really eye opener ....and it seems JEH is going to get birth once again. Tata history is pioneering and full of discipline.
It is a really eye opener ....and it seems JEH is going to get birth once again. Tata history is pioneering and full of discipline.
November 3, 2019
Good
It provided me certain inputs which, I wish would able to inculcate atleast some in my life,
Thank you very much for this short wonderful book.
It provided me certain inputs which, I wish would able to inculcate atleast some in my life,
Thank you very much for this short wonderful book.
November 13, 2019
Excellent read. Agreat man and Patriot and amazing airman. An inspirer.
January 27, 2020
A Brief of The Aviator , a great book for those who looking for JRD life even about TATA.
April 6, 2020
Nice
Nice to go through JRD's journey of life.
Appreciate writer's skills for making readers stick to the book till end.
Nice to go through JRD's journey of life.
Appreciate writer's skills for making readers stick to the book till end.
June 14, 2020
the first person of india to fly a flight jeh
July 2, 2020
Amazing Journey of Jeh
August 4, 2020
A very well written biography of JRD. Every page was fascinating and quite a easy read. I knew very little about JRD until I read this book.
August 31, 2020
A. Life worthy to emulate
College students so that they can see the big picture. This book should be a compulsory part of the curriculum.
College students so that they can see the big picture. This book should be a compulsory part of the curriculum.
May 11, 2020
Very inspiring
I believe that great men alert is their brave heart of gold that shines through in every major decision that they take. I feel like thanking JRD Tata for the service he rendered to our motherland.
I believe that great men alert is their brave heart of gold that shines through in every major decision that they take. I feel like thanking JRD Tata for the service he rendered to our motherland.
February 23, 2012
Complete book review here .. http://bhamla.com/2012/02/jeh-a-life-...
This is the worst biography I’ve ever read. First of all, I prefer autobiographies to biographies because it gives you a glimpse of a great person. The only reason I had this in my possession, is because AKL gave it to me as a gift before I left for the US. At that time I was reading Richard Branson’s, Losing My Virginity (this is a wonderful autobiography) and AKL wanted me to read about Indian businessmen and visionaries.
I have a couple of observations to make. You know how, once you have been through the system, and are reasonably ingrained in the system, you can can see how connections are made and how the underlying politics of the system work. Money pretty much governs and influences the majority of the decisions, (assuming basic criteria are met) in both industry and academia. Not to mention connections. I say that with a certain amount of conviction, because I have had the privilege of experiencing it first-hand.
So, to put it crudely, that’s what this is all about. Rich guy. Born in affluent family. Parents name him Jehangir or ‘Conqueror of the World’. Reasonably well-educated. Experiences various positions in fathers empire. Father has a stroke. The boy steps us and becomes THE MAN a.k.a. J.R.D. TATA. And then smartly leverages existing steel empire, political connections and vision to create an empire (basically his dad left him with 14 enterprises and he upped the ante to 95 enterprises under the Tata Group conglomerate). In comparison, Richard Branson, or Steve Jobs, started from scratch and made it equally big if not bigger.
Secondly, there is one cool thing that I realize. What you do is an outcome of your experiences. Let me explain what I mean. So, while JRD is a kid, the family spends their holidays on the coast of France, in a place called Hardelot. They have a villa there which they call ‘La Mascotte’ and guess who’s their neighbor ? None other than Louis Blériot himself. Now, here is where it gets super interesting. Louis Blériot is a French aviator and inventor who was the first the person to go across the English Channel in an aircraft and successfully build a monoplane (one set of wings compared to a biplane). Now, assume, you are fifteen years old, back in 1919, and lived next to a villa, in who’s beach hangar, planes landed and took off. This is 1919, remember. Barely after the First World War. Where flying was the luxury of a few. (It’s like living next door to Steve Jobs in 1970′s in the Silicon Valley. And playing with Macintosh’s when you were 15.) And then you come to India (where people have just heard of planes and seen them in pictures), as the big boss of the largest steel conglomerate. Why should it surprise me that you’d be the first ever person to be issued a flying license in India, first ever to own a plane in pre-Independent India and then start India’s first airline (Air India).
I’m not trying to down play the great man’s achievement. Hey, I would’ve been the happiest guy in the world if my dad was a billionaire. I just feel that it’s unfair to compare with these people. Look at the head-start he’s got. Plus he’s smart and surrounded by smart people. How in the world would you compete with a guy like him. So, if I dream of becoming the next Tata or Birla, then I know that it’s just realistically not possible. Not at least in one generation. There’s only one name that comes to mind when I think of this – Dhirubhai Ambani. I guess, his autobiography is the next I should read.
The most inspiring part in this book was his solo flight in a single engined Puss Moth from Karachi to Bombay in 1932. This is pretty much India’s first flight. That is the single most kick ass thing I’ve heard of.
Interesting and a very nice read, but, I would have still loved to read his autobiography. The biography just seems like one big schmooze-orgy to JRD Tata. Not a single mention of his failures or mistakes.
It’s like eating rice with salt. Bland.
This is the worst biography I’ve ever read. First of all, I prefer autobiographies to biographies because it gives you a glimpse of a great person. The only reason I had this in my possession, is because AKL gave it to me as a gift before I left for the US. At that time I was reading Richard Branson’s, Losing My Virginity (this is a wonderful autobiography) and AKL wanted me to read about Indian businessmen and visionaries.
I have a couple of observations to make. You know how, once you have been through the system, and are reasonably ingrained in the system, you can can see how connections are made and how the underlying politics of the system work. Money pretty much governs and influences the majority of the decisions, (assuming basic criteria are met) in both industry and academia. Not to mention connections. I say that with a certain amount of conviction, because I have had the privilege of experiencing it first-hand.
So, to put it crudely, that’s what this is all about. Rich guy. Born in affluent family. Parents name him Jehangir or ‘Conqueror of the World’. Reasonably well-educated. Experiences various positions in fathers empire. Father has a stroke. The boy steps us and becomes THE MAN a.k.a. J.R.D. TATA. And then smartly leverages existing steel empire, political connections and vision to create an empire (basically his dad left him with 14 enterprises and he upped the ante to 95 enterprises under the Tata Group conglomerate). In comparison, Richard Branson, or Steve Jobs, started from scratch and made it equally big if not bigger.
Secondly, there is one cool thing that I realize. What you do is an outcome of your experiences. Let me explain what I mean. So, while JRD is a kid, the family spends their holidays on the coast of France, in a place called Hardelot. They have a villa there which they call ‘La Mascotte’ and guess who’s their neighbor ? None other than Louis Blériot himself. Now, here is where it gets super interesting. Louis Blériot is a French aviator and inventor who was the first the person to go across the English Channel in an aircraft and successfully build a monoplane (one set of wings compared to a biplane). Now, assume, you are fifteen years old, back in 1919, and lived next to a villa, in who’s beach hangar, planes landed and took off. This is 1919, remember. Barely after the First World War. Where flying was the luxury of a few. (It’s like living next door to Steve Jobs in 1970′s in the Silicon Valley. And playing with Macintosh’s when you were 15.) And then you come to India (where people have just heard of planes and seen them in pictures), as the big boss of the largest steel conglomerate. Why should it surprise me that you’d be the first ever person to be issued a flying license in India, first ever to own a plane in pre-Independent India and then start India’s first airline (Air India).
I’m not trying to down play the great man’s achievement. Hey, I would’ve been the happiest guy in the world if my dad was a billionaire. I just feel that it’s unfair to compare with these people. Look at the head-start he’s got. Plus he’s smart and surrounded by smart people. How in the world would you compete with a guy like him. So, if I dream of becoming the next Tata or Birla, then I know that it’s just realistically not possible. Not at least in one generation. There’s only one name that comes to mind when I think of this – Dhirubhai Ambani. I guess, his autobiography is the next I should read.
The most inspiring part in this book was his solo flight in a single engined Puss Moth from Karachi to Bombay in 1932. This is pretty much India’s first flight. That is the single most kick ass thing I’ve heard of.
Interesting and a very nice read, but, I would have still loved to read his autobiography. The biography just seems like one big schmooze-orgy to JRD Tata. Not a single mention of his failures or mistakes.
It’s like eating rice with salt. Bland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2020
A good book to know about the life of J. R. D. Tata who seems to be last of the legends from the family of Tatas.
As expected the book outlines his life from birth to death. The key focus is on his keen interest in aviation and how it led to him flying an aircraft from Karachi to Mumbai carrying mail. The first was a pioneering flight which led to the formation of airmail in India. The other two were done after 30 years and after 50 years of the original flight to reenact the first flight.
It gives a fair, not a biased, account of the life of JRD. It is sad that we do not have more of the same type in our industries now.
A must read for those who read JRD and a must read for those who don't so that they develop respect for him.
As expected the book outlines his life from birth to death. The key focus is on his keen interest in aviation and how it led to him flying an aircraft from Karachi to Mumbai carrying mail. The first was a pioneering flight which led to the formation of airmail in India. The other two were done after 30 years and after 50 years of the original flight to reenact the first flight.
It gives a fair, not a biased, account of the life of JRD. It is sad that we do not have more of the same type in our industries now.
A must read for those who read JRD and a must read for those who don't so that they develop respect for him.
April 19, 2013
Its a good refresher on JRD. A great visionary. Giving 4 only because i love the TATAs :).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews