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For the Love of India: The Life and Times of Jamsetji Tata
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata was born in 1839, and in his lifetime India remained firmly under British rule. Yet the projects he envisioned laid the foundation for the nation's development once it became independent. More extraordinary still, these institutions continue to set the pace for others in their respective areas. For, among his many achievements are the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, which has groomed some of the country's best scientists, the Tata Steel plant in Jamshedpur, which marked the country's transition from trading to manufacturing, his pioneering hydro-electric project, and the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, one of the finest in the world.
In these as in other projects he undertook, Jamsetji revealed the unerring instinct of a man who knew what it would take to restore the pride of a subjugated nation and help it prepare for a place among the leading nations of the world once it came into its own. The scale of the projects required abilities of a high order. In some cases it was sheer perseverance that paid off "as with finding a suitable site for the steel project. In others, such as the Indian Institute of Science, it was his exceptional persuasive skills and patience that finally got him the approval of a reluctant viceroy, Lord Curzon.
In For the Love of India, R.M. Lala has drawn upon fresh material from the India Office Library in London and other archives, as also Jamsetji's letters, to portray the man and his age. It is an absorbing account that makes clear how remarkable Jamsetji's achievement truly was, and why, even now, one hundred years after his death, he seems like a man well ahead of the times.
In these as in other projects he undertook, Jamsetji revealed the unerring instinct of a man who knew what it would take to restore the pride of a subjugated nation and help it prepare for a place among the leading nations of the world once it came into its own. The scale of the projects required abilities of a high order. In some cases it was sheer perseverance that paid off "as with finding a suitable site for the steel project. In others, such as the Indian Institute of Science, it was his exceptional persuasive skills and patience that finally got him the approval of a reluctant viceroy, Lord Curzon.
In For the Love of India, R.M. Lala has drawn upon fresh material from the India Office Library in London and other archives, as also Jamsetji's letters, to portray the man and his age. It is an absorbing account that makes clear how remarkable Jamsetji's achievement truly was, and why, even now, one hundred years after his death, he seems like a man well ahead of the times.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2004
22 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Lala
29 books22 followersRussi M. Lala (Gujarati: રુસ્સિ લાલા) (22 August 1928 – 19 October 2012) was a Parsi author known for his chronicles of the Tatas, editor, and publisher. When he was 19, he entered the profession of book publishing in 1951. From 1959 to 1963, he established the first publishing house from India in London, 1959.
Russi M. Lala, graduated with History Honours from Bombay University. Journalism was his passion from his childhood. In his ‘early years’, he was fond of his father, Maneckshaw P. Lala, from whom he acquired an abiding love for literature. "The urge for expression marks the beginning of writing" says Mr Lala in his autobiography.[1] It was this urge that made him write letters to newspapers during his teens – about topics ranging from cruelty to animals, to Gandhi, and Roosevelt.
Russi M. Lala, graduated with History Honours from Bombay University. Journalism was his passion from his childhood. In his ‘early years’, he was fond of his father, Maneckshaw P. Lala, from whom he acquired an abiding love for literature. "The urge for expression marks the beginning of writing" says Mr Lala in his autobiography.[1] It was this urge that made him write letters to newspapers during his teens – about topics ranging from cruelty to animals, to Gandhi, and Roosevelt.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 7, 2015
In brief
This book is a biography of Mr JN Tata. It provides an insight into his life, his works, his projects, also his family.
In detail
I should have read this book a long long time ago, infact I am ashamed because all these years all my awareness about the history of the Tata conglomerate was a tatty one.
Some books are to be read by school kids just to get them inspired. One such book is this. Sad we do not have this as part of curriculum, atleast I do not remember having one in mine.
This book contains excerpts from various people and various conversations that had some association with Mr JN Tata. I simply loved the one between Mr JN Tata and Swami Vivekanand.
Take away from this book
You get to learn more about the founding father
- who worked selflessly for the upliftment of people of India.
- who brought industrial revolution to India.
- how well read and grounded Mr JN Tata was.
- how he touched the lives of each and every Indian in one or the other way.
- his projects, be it Empress,Swadeshi,Tata Steel,Taj Mahal hotel, IISC
- his will where he pledged part of his wealth to his countrymen, for bringing up IISC.
- what a visionary he was, his plans for hydroelectric plant to reduce combustion in the late 1800's. (yes please).
- his pension, gratuity schemes in the late 1800's
- his travels in an era where a month ship travel was all needed to for a return trip to America.
- his shipping company which he planned to take on rival British company.
- his contribution in Swadeshi movement.
Also you get to learn about the "A-Team" which he built. At the end of this book all I can say is, I am so so proud, Mr JN Tata was born in India.
A excerpt on where Mr JN Tata studied and what transformed him - " The teachers at the Elphinstone Institute not only informed but aroused curiosity and awakened young minds to make their own studies and discoveries through life."
Take a bow!
Cheers,
This book is a biography of Mr JN Tata. It provides an insight into his life, his works, his projects, also his family.
In detail
I should have read this book a long long time ago, infact I am ashamed because all these years all my awareness about the history of the Tata conglomerate was a tatty one.
Some books are to be read by school kids just to get them inspired. One such book is this. Sad we do not have this as part of curriculum, atleast I do not remember having one in mine.
This book contains excerpts from various people and various conversations that had some association with Mr JN Tata. I simply loved the one between Mr JN Tata and Swami Vivekanand.
Take away from this book
You get to learn more about the founding father
- who worked selflessly for the upliftment of people of India.
- who brought industrial revolution to India.
- how well read and grounded Mr JN Tata was.
- how he touched the lives of each and every Indian in one or the other way.
- his projects, be it Empress,Swadeshi,Tata Steel,Taj Mahal hotel, IISC
- his will where he pledged part of his wealth to his countrymen, for bringing up IISC.
- what a visionary he was, his plans for hydroelectric plant to reduce combustion in the late 1800's. (yes please).
- his pension, gratuity schemes in the late 1800's
- his travels in an era where a month ship travel was all needed to for a return trip to America.
- his shipping company which he planned to take on rival British company.
- his contribution in Swadeshi movement.
Also you get to learn about the "A-Team" which he built. At the end of this book all I can say is, I am so so proud, Mr JN Tata was born in India.
A excerpt on where Mr JN Tata studied and what transformed him - " The teachers at the Elphinstone Institute not only informed but aroused curiosity and awakened young minds to make their own studies and discoveries through life."
Take a bow!
Cheers,
May 25, 2020
Its a very well researched book on the man who is very rightly called the "Father of Indian Industries" or "Rockefeller of the East". Jamsetji Tata is to India what Rockefeller is to America. The author has done great research. The slight problem is that the text lacked flow & wasn't chronological. It might suit somebody who wants to read about all his initiatives separately but might be a disappointment to people who want to read it in the form of a story or narration. The problem by the end of 20 chapters was that Jamsetji Tata had already died 20 times in the book & then brought back alive for the next venture he took. The reel of his life was rewinded each time after his death. That's the only problem with this otherwise brilliant work. The Man is so important for India that this book can't be ignored & is probably the best book on this man. (The author himself says that he took all the elements from the existing biographies on Jamsetji)
November 17, 2017
The essence of Zoroastrianism is simple, ‘Humata, Hukta, Huvarsta’— Good thoughts, good words, good deeds. The above phrase catches the essence of the book written on one of biggest visionaries of India. In one of his finest RM Lala introduces the world of JN TATA though his days setting up cotton mills and fighting the regressive British policies of taxes and logistics. RM Lala has tried to integrate the historical background in the story by adding the colonial storyline to make the story more readable and reasons for steps and actions.
JN TATA perfects as a visionary not just for his ambitious textile indutry set up but the human development reforms for the people which he proposed and set up like Provident Fund scheme, accident insurance in 1800 far ahead for that time even as per global standards. His quest to study Egyptian Cotton Growing and Japanese Shipping Lines to replicate similar models in India were visionary feats.
However the best part of the book is the last 10 years of JN TATA from 1804-1904 which has been extensively covered because this was the time when ambition took the giant leap. This was the time of Elgin and Curzon and though regressive policies were followed form the British side, JN TATA found a human in Curzon. Three of his institutions which were ste up after his death like the power plant, steel plant and the science institute in Bangalore some how got the assent of Curzon.
The story culminates as his visions become reality by his sons. The story is genuine inspiration from the author for young readers to think more and more of what has been done and what more can been done. I think JN TATA';s life defines that sky is the limit for work , making money and being dedicated to the society and the people. People are the reason for corporations and they should be Kantian interpretation of means as well as the end!!
JN TATA perfects as a visionary not just for his ambitious textile indutry set up but the human development reforms for the people which he proposed and set up like Provident Fund scheme, accident insurance in 1800 far ahead for that time even as per global standards. His quest to study Egyptian Cotton Growing and Japanese Shipping Lines to replicate similar models in India were visionary feats.
However the best part of the book is the last 10 years of JN TATA from 1804-1904 which has been extensively covered because this was the time when ambition took the giant leap. This was the time of Elgin and Curzon and though regressive policies were followed form the British side, JN TATA found a human in Curzon. Three of his institutions which were ste up after his death like the power plant, steel plant and the science institute in Bangalore some how got the assent of Curzon.
The story culminates as his visions become reality by his sons. The story is genuine inspiration from the author for young readers to think more and more of what has been done and what more can been done. I think JN TATA';s life defines that sky is the limit for work , making money and being dedicated to the society and the people. People are the reason for corporations and they should be Kantian interpretation of means as well as the end!!
August 21, 2015
This is a fantastic book to read if you love entrepreneurship and history. I got this as a gift from Tata endowment and started reading to know the history of Tata. But, what I found in this book is a very inspiring figure called JN Tata who is the visionary behind IISc, Tata steel and Tata power. Unbelievable genius who lived during 1900s. A big inspiration for all of us to follow his foot steps.
July 18, 2023
The book compiles the life story of a prominent figure from the previous century, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. It begins by providing a brief background on the Zoroastrian faith and how it influenced JN Tata from his early years. The book explores various aspects of JN Tata's personality, as well as his close associates and family. It not only focuses on JN Tata's industrial endeavors but also delves into the vision and determination that drove him to establish remarkable projects. Some of the notable projects discussed include the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), Silk institute in Bangalore, Taj Hotel, and the establishment of a Hydro-power Plant. Additionally, he supported the masses by donating huge sums to facilitate educational and healthcare facilities across the globe. One of the popular and sough after endowment program established by JN Tata is still active "JN Tata Scholars Program" for foreign education of Indians. Furthermore, the book highlights the critical role of his extensive foreign travel coupled with exposure to innovative ideas and interaction with prominent personalities which greatly shaped his grand vision.
The book adequately addresses the challenges faced by JN Tata while implementing these large-scale projects, giving justice to the hurdles he encountered. It also highlights the distinctive qualities of JN Tata's character that inspired those around him to contribute to his vision. In summary, the book excellently portrays the character of JN Tata, along with presenting historical facts as one of its key messages. The only drawback of the book is its lack of chronological order, making it slightly challenging to navigate while keeping track of the timeline.
One of his popular quote was turned to be :
"There is one kind of charity common enough among us... It is that patchwork philanthropy which clothes the ragged, feeds the poor, and heals the sick. I am far from decrying the noble spirit which seeks to help a poor or suffering fellow being... [However] what advances a nation or a community is not so much to prop up its weakest and most helpless members but to lift up the best and the most gifted, so as to make them of the greatest service to the country"
The book adequately addresses the challenges faced by JN Tata while implementing these large-scale projects, giving justice to the hurdles he encountered. It also highlights the distinctive qualities of JN Tata's character that inspired those around him to contribute to his vision. In summary, the book excellently portrays the character of JN Tata, along with presenting historical facts as one of its key messages. The only drawback of the book is its lack of chronological order, making it slightly challenging to navigate while keeping track of the timeline.
One of his popular quote was turned to be :
"There is one kind of charity common enough among us... It is that patchwork philanthropy which clothes the ragged, feeds the poor, and heals the sick. I am far from decrying the noble spirit which seeks to help a poor or suffering fellow being... [However] what advances a nation or a community is not so much to prop up its weakest and most helpless members but to lift up the best and the most gifted, so as to make them of the greatest service to the country"
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June 9, 2021Great Man, Good Book.
Although the book wasn't exactly for me.
Although the book wasn't exactly for me.
August 1, 2018
Its hard to imagine what India would have become without JN Tata and his three major schemes. This book clearly highlights the events and his life around these schemes, and how he stridently had to overcome numerous setbacks, mostly from the British Raj of the time.
January 10, 2024
Jamsetji Tata strides as a colossus not only as a patron-founder of the Tatas but as an important leader who led the way for the development of India as an industrial nation. His contribution however was just not industrial but his vision was unparalleled in terms of making India great again so to speak when still under British rule. His commitment to constructive philanthropy and some of steps undertaken by the Tatas for the workers at their factories were so ahead of the time that even in the modern world you may/may not see all such facilities being offered. This was such a man who literally dared to dream about an building hydro-electrical power project, setting up a steel factory and bequeathing almost his 1/3rd wealth for setting up an Institute of Science and Research. This book by R.M. Lala who was the de-facto keeper and chronicler of the Tatas does full justice to the man and his times.
The book is largely divided into 2 parts: the 1st part covering the earlier years of Jamsetji Tata and the 2nd part focussing on his big 4 projects. The book gives the reader a good understanding of the background when Jamsetji operated. The book also covers the interactions that he had with various personalities including from the British- especially almost Lord Curzon and the many influences in his life. The book definitely succeeds in bringing Jamsetji’s persona to light. The book also covers some of the project formulated which may not be that well-known, and which come as a pleasant surprise- for e.g. planning a small Venice at Juhu, planning Mahim creek for conversion to a fish pond/lake for promoting the fishing industry.
At all times, the humility and the respect borne by Jamsetji towards all the people shines through without any deception, and hence the reason why the man along with his monumental achievements for the nation is remembered more than 100 years after he passed away.
An absolutely inspiring tale and a must-read for every Indian.
The book is largely divided into 2 parts: the 1st part covering the earlier years of Jamsetji Tata and the 2nd part focussing on his big 4 projects. The book gives the reader a good understanding of the background when Jamsetji operated. The book also covers the interactions that he had with various personalities including from the British- especially almost Lord Curzon and the many influences in his life. The book definitely succeeds in bringing Jamsetji’s persona to light. The book also covers some of the project formulated which may not be that well-known, and which come as a pleasant surprise- for e.g. planning a small Venice at Juhu, planning Mahim creek for conversion to a fish pond/lake for promoting the fishing industry.
At all times, the humility and the respect borne by Jamsetji towards all the people shines through without any deception, and hence the reason why the man along with his monumental achievements for the nation is remembered more than 100 years after he passed away.
An absolutely inspiring tale and a must-read for every Indian.
May 9, 2024
R. M. Lala's 'For the Love of India' is a poignant tribute to the inspiring legacy of Mr. Tata. Through meticulous storytelling, Lala unveils the extraordinary journey of a visionary leader driven by a profound love for his country. The book beautifully captures Mr. Tata's insatiable hunger for knowledge, his unwavering patriotism, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. It paints a vivid portrait of a man whose passion and determination transformed industries and touched countless lives. Lala's narrative is both engaging and enlightening, offering readers a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic Tata empire. 'For the Love of India' is not just a biography; it's a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the power of one individual to inspire change on a national scale. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the life of a true visionary.
After experiencing the profound impact of 'For the Love of India,' I'm eagerly anticipating delving into Lala's next masterpiece, 'Beyond the Last Blue Mountain.'
After experiencing the profound impact of 'For the Love of India,' I'm eagerly anticipating delving into Lala's next masterpiece, 'Beyond the Last Blue Mountain.'
August 11, 2021
Interesting book which gives a brief overview about the man who started the industrialization in India before Independence. It takes us through the journey of who Jamestji Tata was as a person, as an industrialist, as a visionary & as a people leader.
The prestigious name of Tatas is due to his efforts but he was not alone in this endeavour and this book gives a glimpse of others who supported him including a few Britishers also. This should be on the reading list of anyone interested in knowing the history of institutions such as Tata Steel, Tata Power, Indian Institute of Science, The Taj Hotel.
This book is created based on inputs from various sources & author has put in a lot of efforts including translation of news articles & reports from other languages to create this comprehensive summary.
You should read this book to gain inspiration of all that was achieved by 1 person in a span of 65 years.
The prestigious name of Tatas is due to his efforts but he was not alone in this endeavour and this book gives a glimpse of others who supported him including a few Britishers also. This should be on the reading list of anyone interested in knowing the history of institutions such as Tata Steel, Tata Power, Indian Institute of Science, The Taj Hotel.
This book is created based on inputs from various sources & author has put in a lot of efforts including translation of news articles & reports from other languages to create this comprehensive summary.
You should read this book to gain inspiration of all that was achieved by 1 person in a span of 65 years.
October 1, 2024
With my little knowledge about the Tatas, but out of love for India I picked up this book. Also got a book on the next Tata director too. This book started with a mention that it was the best time for Jamsetji Tata to be born. The journey is interesting and yet the hurdles in the way even during the British era led to 3 of the 4 major works of Jamsethji unfinished by the time of his death. But it was the fore-vision a person can have is what amazed me. Good book. Amazing journey through the 19th century India. Good one.
June 30, 2020
The fantastic tale of the vision of the man to transform India towards to foreword. The person choose between money and development of India and the same is seen today. The person who seen the vision of the Mumbai to hold the potential of the financial capital. The 4 dream of the man that transform the India led the foundation of the biggest industry in India.
April 19, 2020
Ah what a book! To understand India and impact of tata on building india one should read this book.It has so many things that I never thought tata did. If you from Mumbai (Bombay) you will absolutely love it..... MUST READ!
December 14, 2024
Tata's vision was 100 years ahead of his time. His Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds will inspire every woman & man for many generations to come. Gratitude to him that we are still reaping the fruits of his establishments.
January 8, 2018
Highly Insightful. It'll transform your notions about Indian history. Won't suffice for a gripping narrative style. Objectively, because it's a third-person write-up.
April 12, 2020
Really admire his thought process, to make India great and prosperous
February 13, 2023
Must read books by all indians
April 20, 2023
Highly inspiring!
October 19, 2023
It had good view on his life and aspirations
January 26, 2024
This book is on Sir Jamsetji Tata life , Good Book to Read about his Dedication, zest for knowledge, Man with Vision ,selfless act and love, patriotic .
#Good Thoughts #Good Words #Good Deeds
#Good Thoughts #Good Words #Good Deeds
June 19, 2024
A good book to know about the great man and his work. Also, gives a good insight into the foundation of TATA.
January 1, 2026
A very poignant memoir of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata in a very fluid style by R. M. Lala. Inspiring and full with admiration
March 23, 2023
This book, is on the life of Jamsethji Tata. He was an Indian pioneer Industrialist, who founded the Tata Group, India’s biggest conglomerate company. This, by far, is one of the best biographies that I had the honour of reading. Whatever, we are, as Indians today. Sitting with ease in our homes and offices constructed through steel and concrete, travel with ease via air or railway, with constant electricity at our disposal and education that made us assess and understand the industrialised and technology driven world today: directly or indirectly should be thankful to this man, Jamsethji Nusserwanji Tata.
R.M. Lala has done a fabulous job of compiling his work on the life of Jamsethji, however we would find very few details about his personal life but for a man who has done so much work for the country and his countrymen, his life was his work. In the words of Sudha Murthy, ‘I consider Jamsetji Tata was a true Indian. He loved India and her people. He is the best example for the next generation to show how one man can change the lives of many others.’ Even after more than 100 years after his death, he still remains an inspiration to millions around the world and has left behind a legacy that has benefitted our countrymen and will continue to benefit for many more decades. A must read!
R.M. Lala has done a fabulous job of compiling his work on the life of Jamsethji, however we would find very few details about his personal life but for a man who has done so much work for the country and his countrymen, his life was his work. In the words of Sudha Murthy, ‘I consider Jamsetji Tata was a true Indian. He loved India and her people. He is the best example for the next generation to show how one man can change the lives of many others.’ Even after more than 100 years after his death, he still remains an inspiration to millions around the world and has left behind a legacy that has benefitted our countrymen and will continue to benefit for many more decades. A must read!
July 14, 2015
One of the great visionary of Mother India.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews