Ratan Tata’s biggest gift for the people of the country was not the cars they made or plants they built, but this biggest philanthropic work they did for all the generations.
As Ratan Tata passed away last week, people are surprised after knowing his different work from business to philanthrophy. But apart from their regular work, Tata group has done the biggest work for the people of India since many years.
In 2017, Ratan Tata, through Tata Trusts, pledged ₹1,000 crore to establish affordable cancer treatment facilities across India. This initiative, which he personally oversaw, led to the creation and upgrading of cancer-care centers in five key states, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam.
Ratan Tata’s Pioneering Work in Cancer Care
One of Ratan Tata’s most enduring legacies is his pivotal role in the fight against cancer in India, a cause he passionately followed throughout his career. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, which has become one of the leading institutions for cancer research and treatment in India.
Ratan Tata’s dedication to cancer care was deeply personal. In 1982, just three years after becoming the head of Tata Industries, his mother, Soonoo Tata, was diagnosed with cancer. This painful experience shaped his lifelong commitment to improving cancer treatment and accessibility in India.
The Tata Group’s venture into healthcare began as early as 1941, with the establishment of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. In 1962, the hospital’s management was transferred to the Ministry of Health, but it continued to operate with the same efforts of affordable and quality care.
Read More: Wipro asks employees to work from office thrice a week
Expanding the Tata Memorial Network
Under Ratan Tata’s guidance, the Tata Memorial Hospital expanded its network across India, with new centers opening in cities like Varanasi, Muzaffarpur, Punjab, and Visakhapatnam. These centers are known for offering affordable or free treatments, with nearly two-thirds of the patients receiving care at minimal cost. The Tata Trusts also pioneered bone marrow transplants in India in 1992. Today, around 1,000 cancer patients are treated daily at Tata Memorial centers, making this one of the most significant contributions to healthcare by the Tata family.
Tata Nano: Another Gift To Country
Ratan Tata is also remembered for his bold vision with the Tata Nano, often referred to as the “₹1 lakh car.” His inspiration for the Nano came from a desire to provide safer, affordable transportation to Indian families. Recalling a personal experience, Ratan Tata shared in 2020 with Humans of Bombay, “I remember seeing a family of four on a motorbike in the heavy Bombay rain — I knew I wanted to do more for these families who were risking their lives for lack of an alternative.”
Though the Tata Nano didn’t become the commercial success he had hoped for, Tata remained proud of the project. “By the time we launched the Nano, our costs were higher, but I had made a promise, and we delivered on that promise,” he reflected. The Nano may not have revolutionized the automobile industry as expected, but it stands as a symbol of Ratan Tata’s determination to improve the lives of everyday Indians.
For more news like this visit Officenewz.com
