The Tata Nano Spirit

In continuation with his ancestral trait of nation building, Ratan Tata has enhanced India’s image by unveiling the world’s cheapest and sleekest car. Tata Nano has evoked praises and abuses equally. If one looks at the angle of pollution, congestion and social costs, any new addition on the road is crime perpetration. In this sense, Tatas cannot be singled out. On the other hand, they deserve the national salute for giving the most innovative automobile to the world. In line with the acquisition of Corus, Tatas are going full stream to bring laurels to the country. The prestigious Ford Jaguar is waiting to fall for the masterly entrepreneurship of the Indian company. These are not just mergers and acquisitions but prestige addition in the comity of nations. What the politicians could not deliver, industrialists and business fraternity are giving to India. Should not be we hailing this great Indian patriotism?

Automobile entrepreneurship and environmental pollution are separate issues. If the world has expected Tatas to excel in the former it can also trigger their passion in the latter. Long back they started Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) which no longer carries Tata name in it. This think-tank has contributed enormously for the betterment of environment. Its head, Rajendra Pachauri shared Nobel Peace Prize this year on behalf of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). So the eco warriors should respect the first industrial family of India as the pioneers of corporate social responsibility. Instead of hurling verbal missiles they should encourage Tatas to ease the infrastructural troubles and contribute further for social growth.

There are several pending problems. One, infrastructure needs to be improved immensely. Two, indigenous production of fuels can be the best bet. While manufacturing desi versions, eco factor should be the top most priority. local production of fuels is a must to escape from the global price fluctuations. Not only the raising oil price strains the national exchequer but it also propels the inflation. With 25% BPL category, India cannot afford to watch spiraling prices of essential commodities. Already higher inflation is creating social unrest in the country.

Infrastructure building, social growth and pollution reduction can be the triple goals of next project of Tatas. A targeted social development is a must. The first and focused aim should be the rural and neighborhood developments. Once the villages are self-sufficient, large scale migration to towns will be reduced. Ex President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam can be the leading star for Tatas in this mission. His PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) vision if implemented will give back the glory to villages. Apart from installing the ultra modern infrastructures like cost effective quality education, health, communication and technology, it should also identify local skills for requisite income generation. Decongesting the future investments can also help to spread the developmental activities. This can push the craze from urban to rural areas.

The already burning fire in cities and towns can be doused by clearly planning neighborhood development. In each area all the basic needs like educational institutions, shops, hospitals, entertainment outlets, employment etc should be provided. This may not be easy but possible. Once all the requirements are given in surroundings, pollution, accidents and other daily troubles can be minimized. More emphasis should be on the green and well coordinated development. Local administration with the complete involvement of the citizens can also make the working machinery responsible.

An out-of-the-box thinking and strategizing can realize this unimaginable social revolution. For this, socio psychological management is required. A national team initiated by the Tatas with determined and dedicated personalities like Dr. Kalam, the metro man E. Sreedharan, Sam Pitroda and Narayanamurthy can fine-tune the vision. In this mission, government, media, judiciary, bureaucracy and the public should have equal involvement. Will the Tatas venture into this mindboggling dream?