Words and deeds

Affirming the philosophical foundation of the House of Tata and making it a code resolutely to be adhered to, the motto "Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta (good thoughts, good words, good deeds)” chosen by group founder Jamsetji Tata (pictured), was included in the coat of arms of his sons Sir Dorabji and Sir Ratan as well as incorporated in the House crest. So writes T. R. (Donn) Doongaji, honorary advisor, Tata Central Archives (TCA), Poona, in his Preface to what he describes as "probably the finest ever publication from the Tata stable.”

Titled Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds: A book of Tata quotes, and brought out by TCA, the publication contains "enlightening thoughts and words” of the galaxy of men (and one woman) who "walked the path laid down by the founder throughout the Group’s long years of existence.” Quoted are Jamsetji, both his sons and daughter-in-law Lady Meherbai Tata, Sir Nowroji Saklatvala, group chairman from 1875 to 1938, J. R. D. and Ratan Tata, successors to the position, directors Sumant Moolgaokar, Nani Palkhivala, Jamshed Bhabha, Ratanji Dadabhai Tata (JRD’s father) and Burjorji Padshah. (Several quotes are cited in Parsiana’s "So They Say” column — editors)
On philanthropy, Jamsetji is quoted: "We do not claim to be more unselfish or more philanthropic than other people. But we think we started on sound and straightforward business principles, considering the interests of the shareholders our own, and the health and welfare of the employees the sure foundation of our prosperity.” Regarding charity, deemed the hallmark of the Parsi community, Jamsetji felt that "patchwork philanthropy which clothes the ragged, feeds the poor and heals the sick” will help only to a certain degree. His solution: "What advances a nation or community is not so much to prop up its weakest and most helpless members, as to lift up the best and the most gifted so as to make them of the greatest service to the country.”

Doongaji credits the genesis of this book to his friend and chronicler of the Tatas, the late Russi Lala, whose idea it was to create a "compilation of pearls of wisdom spoken and written by Tata luminaries.” The volume owes its culmination to archivist "Rajendra Prasad Narla, who painstakingly prospected for gems in the vast mine of caringly preserved writings and speeches in the TCA.”
The handsome, hard bound volume, in the shape of an 8” x 8” square, 1.5” thick, its 254 pages edged with gold, is priced at Rs 1,220, including delivery charges in India. The cost for sending it abroad would be significantly higher, depending on the destination, Doongaji writes. The book can be procured from the TCA by contacting archivist Narla via email at: rpnarla@tata.com
SHERENE VAKIL