As the nation grieves the passing away of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, an old picture recalls the deep bond shared by the business tycoon with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which began in 2008 with the word 'Suswagatam' (meaning 'welcome' in Sanskrit).
This word marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Ratan Tata's business journey and the Gujarat government's industrial transformation.
Recalling this special connection, the Modi Archive paid tribute, stating, "Suswagatam - a one-word text from then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to Ratan Tata marked the start of a deep bond. Today, as we mourn the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, his legacy, vision, and shared love for India remain with us. Om Shanti."
This goes back to late 2008, when Tata Motors was forced to halt its highly anticipated Nano project in Singur, West Bengal, due to political unrest between Mamata Banerjee and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.
Determined to move forward, Tata Motors sought a new site for the plant. Within days, states began offering alternatives, but it was Gujarat that eventually won Tata Motors' confidence.
Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, made a swift offer of 1,100 acres of prime land in Sanand at Rs 3.5 lakh per acre, providing a solution to the company's relocation crisis.
It is said that Narendra Modi sent a one-word SMS -- Suswagatam -- to Ratan Tata after the announcement of Tata Motors' exit from Singur, welcoming the project to Gujarat.
Interestingly, the chosen land in Sanand had a historic connection to the Tata family. Over a century earlier, Jamsetji Tata had donated Rs 1,000 to establish a cattle farm on the same land during a severe drought.
This long-standing Tata connection gave the location even more significance.
In the months that followed, Tata Motors moved its equipment from Singur to Sanand, leaving behind structures worth crores.
On June 2, 2010, in the presence of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Ratan Tata inaugurated the rs 2,000 crore Sanand plant, marking the beginning of a new era for the company and the region.
The Tata investment in Sanand soon attracted other major investors. In 2011, Ford announced a Rs 4,000 crore investment to set up a plant nearby. The flood of investment continued with companies like Peugeot, Hitachi, and Cadila Healthcare establishing their presence in Gujarat, bringing billions of dollars in investments and turning the state into an industrial powerhouse.
Following the demise of Ratan Tata, PM Modi, in his statement, said, "My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti."
Ratan Tata's legacy in shaping India's industrial landscape and his enduring bond with PM Modi will be remembered as a testament to his visionary leadership.
His contributions continue to inspire, even as the nation bids farewell to one of its most iconic business leaders.
New Urban Community Health Centre to reduce patients rush in GBP Hospital: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday laid foundation stone of 50-bed Urban Community Health Center here at Agartala and said that the present government is working diligently to improve health infrastructure and services in the state.
Govt determined to develop sports infrastructure in Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated football turf, athletics track and hockey ground here at Agartala Dasarath Deb Sports Complex at Badharghat and said that the government is determined to develop facilities and platform for sports persons in the state.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.