When Ratan Tata Was Asked For ₹15 Crore Bribe – His Bold Reply Will Inspire You

India’s beloved industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9th after leading a life full of humility and simplicity. Throughout his life, he exemplified a deep commitment to India’s development. He supported numerous social initiatives through the Tata Trusts. Post his demise, his old interview is making its rounds on the internet where he was once asked to pay a Rs 15 crore bribe.

Ratan Tata was once asked to pay Rs 15 crore bribe by an industrialist

In a 2010 interview with NDTV, Ratan Tata shared a revealing incident from his professional journey that highlighted the rampant corruption that is prevalent in the business world. He recalled a situation where a fellow industrialist advised him to pay a Rs 15 crore bribe to a minister in order to secure a business deal.

Tata told the interviewer that the industrialist said to him as we quote,

“You know, why don’t you pay the minister, you know that he wants 15 crore, no one has asked us for any amount of money . you know, you people want the airline, don’t you? You want the airline, pay 15 crore what does it matter to you.”

The deal was related to acquiring an airline, a project Tata was pursuing at the time.

Referring to this conversation, the interviewer asked him how to avoid corruption, and he responded by saying…

When asked how businesses can combat corruption, Ratan Tata emphasized the importance of self-regulation as the key to maintaining ethical standards. Tata told the industrialist,

“It has to be self-regulating. You will never understand that, we just don’t do that…”

His philosophy suggested that the ability to say no to corrupt practices starts with strong internal principles and a commitment to doing what is right, regardless of external pressures.

Tata said he wants to go to bed at night feeling that he has not succumbed to it

Tata firmly declined the offer, standing resolute in his principles despite the potential benefits the bribe could have brought. His response to the industrialist reflected the values that guided his career.

He mentioned how he wants to go to bed at night feeling that he has not succumbed to unethical practices. Additionally, he mentioned that throughout his career, he has consciously avoided engaging in corrupt practices, not even for a mining license.

Ratan Tata’s death has been hard for not only the Tata Group but everyone

Ratan Tata’s death at the age of 86 has saddened not only the Tata Group but also the broader business community and society at large. In the wake of Ratan Tata’s passing, heartfelt tributes from those close to him have gone viral.

Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s assistant, shared a poignant message that highlighted Tata’s mentorship, guidance, and the deep friendship that they shared. Simi Garewal, a well-known personality and his allegedly old lover also expressed her grief, sharing a touching tribute. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, conveyed his deep sorrow and respect for Tata’s legacy, emphasizing how his leadership transformed the Tata Group and the broader Indian business landscape.

What are your thoughts on Ratan Tata and his exemplary career and contributions? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.