If India is to shine now and in the future, people must have the freedom to decide and while governments can be in the business of monitoring, they should have no role in telling people what to do. If India should shine let the people have the freedom to decide,” Ratan Naval Tata, chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons said at an interactive session held recently at SRM University.
He stressed on the fact that there are many qualities that are sought after in young leaders but the bottom line must be one of making a difference. “As you go through life, many things you couldn’t find in college, you will find it in your profession down the line. Be honest in what you think and do and this goes for any profession,” the industrial and business magnate remarked.
Prior to the interactive session with students drawn from all faculties of SRM University, Tata had meeting with the founder chancellor of SRM University, Dr. Paari Vendhar where they discussed the challenges and opportunities of higher education in India. Referring to the fact that so many young minds of India choose overseas destinations for higher studies, Tata observed that this would not be the case if educational institutions offered proper facilities and faculties.
He told young minds that along with team work, timing, plan and innovation, there has to be intuition for any programme to succeed. But at the same time not every plan or venture is going to succeed. “Take everything as a learning exercise,” he advised.
Asked on his parameters of support to start-ups, Tata said: “I like investing in young companies, but money-alone and greed is not what I am for,” Tata said who was given a tour to the university by vice chancellor, Prof. Prabir Bagchi.