The man whose life this series of lectures commemorates, JRD Tata – or JRD, as he was known – left a great legacy as a visionary, as an industry leader, as a philanthropist, and above all as a humanist. Two words capture JRD’s lasting contribution, nation builder.
His commitment to India’s development was deep and abiding, and he was passionate about improving the lot of the less privileged. S.A. Sabavala, one of JRD’s long-time associates, tells a story that illustrates this passion. After picking up Mother Teresa in Jamshedpur once, JRD spoke generally about poverty in India, how it upset him, when it would end and so on. Her reply, “Mr.