Pune: Tata Motors Company in Pimpri-Chinchwad Continues Work After Ratan Tata’s Demise, Honoring His Wish That ‘Work Should Not Stop’

Pune, 11th October 2024: The Tata Motors Company in Pimpri-Chinchwad continued operations on Thursday (10th October), honoring Ratan Tata’s wish that “work should not stop even after my death.” All workers carried out their assigned tasks, and many were seen getting emotional while reminiscing about him.

During this time, the workers unanimously demanded that the central government posthumously award the Bharat Ratna to Ratan Tata. Tata Motors Union President Shishupal Tamer stated that Ratan Tata had announced his retirement at the Tata Motors project in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and he always interacted with the workers while respecting the trade unions.

Former General Secretary of the Tata Motors Union, Eknath Pawar, recalled, “In 1998, a statue of JRD Tata was erected on the company premises with funds from the workers, and it was inaugurated by Ratan Tata. He was very pleased when the statue was constructed. He always wanted to know about the workers’ problems and often sat and ate with them. When we visited him in Mumbai to wish him on his birthday, he welcomed us warmly and insisted we eat with him.”

Namdev Dhake, a former office bearer of the Union, expressed concern that industries dependent on Tata Motors have lost their share. He noted a conflict between the Tata Motors union and management in 2017, stating, “We met Ratan Tata and discussed the matter for 30 minutes. He reassured us not to worry, and he kept his word every time.”

Former Union President Sachin Landge highlighted that Ratan Tata taught everyone how to overcome difficult situations and find solutions. He had genuine love and affection for the workers.

Former Union President Vishnupant Newale informed that Ratan Tata visited Tata Motors in Pimpri a few years ago, celebrating his birthday at the plant at the request of the workers.

Newale recounted, “At the time of Ratan Tata’s resignation as Chairman, we tried to celebrate his birthday at the Pimpri plant with the workers. Ratan Tata graciously met 25,000 workers from 9 am to 5 pm. He had lunch with us in the canteen, serving himself and enjoying the meal with all of us.”

Tata Motors Company was established in Pimpri-Chinchwad city in 1968. Many small-scale industries depend on this company, which currently employs 40,000 workers—10,000 permanent workers and 30,000 contract workers. Many women in the city are also connected to the Tata industry through the Tata Housewives department.

A few years ago, some industries in the city began migrating. At that time, Ratan Tata took a firm stand, stating that Tata Industries in the city would not be relocated. The Tata Group has also played an important role in justifying the title of industrial city for Pimpri-Chinchwad. Numerous small-scale industries have been established in the city, providing employment opportunities for the unemployed youth.