“As a Tata of course he stood very tall

But grace and simplicity was always his call

His dogs were very much part of his life

A perfect escape from stress and strife.”

-Nadir Godrej

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), marked a historic milestone on 21st February 2026 with the organization of the very First Ratan Naval Tata Memorial Lecture at the TISS Convention Centre, Naoroji Campus, Chembur. Conceived as a tribute to the life, values, mission and visionary leadership of Ratan N Tata, the lecture series was inaugurated in a manner befitting his legacy — thoughtful, inclusive, and forward-looking. Though the event was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., the hall was already filled to capacity by 10 a.m., reflecting the keen anticipation and enthusiasm of the audience. Mr. Nadir Godrej, Chairman of the Godrej Industries Group, inaugurated the lecture series, marking the beginning of what promises to be a distinguished and thought-provoking platform for dialogue and reflection. The session was chaired by Mr. Subramanian Ramadorai, Former CEO & Managing Director Tata Consultancy Services.

The occasion was graced by distinguished guests including Dr. Shireen Jejeebhoy, sister of Ratan Tata, along with Dr. Rati Godrej, Mr. Burjis Godrej, Mrs. Bachi Karkaria, Mr. Yazdi Tantra, Prof. Nasreen Behramfram, Mr. Noshir Mirza, Ms. Khursheed Khurody, who had travelled all the way from Khandala with her father, Mr. Nawshir Khurody, who, despite being in a wheelchair, was determined not to miss the occasion. Senior university leadership, distinguished faculty members, alumni, and students were present in large numbers,

The event was anchored by the TISS School of Management and Labour Studies, reflecting the deep interlinkages between business leadership, labour, ethics, and social transformation — themes central both to TISS and to Ratan Tata’s life.

A Historic Day for the Institution

The ceremony began with the institute song followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. Professor Badri Narayan Tiwari, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of TISS, a distinguished poet, writer, anthropologist, and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient (2022) — felicitated Mr. Subramanian Ramadorai and Mr. Nadir Godrej with shawls and potted plants.

As TISS completes 90 years in 2026, the institute reaffirmed its founding mission: to work with vulnerable and marginalized communities and contribute to building a socially equitable nation.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the lecture series, Prof. Tiwari stated: “We are continuing Ratan Tataji’s legacy, his compassion, determination, and mission. This lecture series begins this year in his memory. Having Nadir Godrej deliver the first lecture has set the tone for the future.”

“Business and Society: Doing the Right Thing” — In Verse

In an extraordinary departure from conventional corporate lectures, Mr. Nadir Godrej delivered his address, titled “Business and Society: Doing the Right Thing” — entirely in verse and rhyme.

The moment was symbolic: two poets shared the dais, the Vice Chancellor and Mr. Nadir Godrej, blurring the boundaries between boardroom and literature, economics and empathy.

Quoting from his own composition, Mr. Godrej began:

“The Tata family survived times of stress
And still achieved great success.
Naval Tata sought to steer
Ratan into becoming an engineer.
He switched from engineering to architecture
And had to hear his father’s long lecture.”

He reflected on Ratan Tata’s humane qualities:

“He was a man of empathy and compassion
Even though it wasn’t the fashion.”

Speaking of enterprise and philanthropy:

“In the Tata business he played a major role
But encouraging entrepreneurs was also a goal.
The Tata Trusts got much attention
Serving people was his intention.”

“The business and trusts played a role
In achieving India’s development goal.”

He also paid tribute to the founding spirit of the Godrej legacy:

“Ardeshir was our illustrious founder
We couldn’t have asked for anyone sounder.
Though just a lawyer by profession
Invention was his true obsession.”

“For many years he tried his hand
Until he could well understand
The ins and outs of making soap.”

He concluded
“Let us all proclaim this aloud
And make Ratan Tata very proud.”

The audience was captivated. For the students especially, the event was empowering. They had witnessed a corporate leader speak with humility, creativity, and moral clarity. The message that business can be ethical, compassionate, and socially responsible left a lasting impression.

Leadership Beyond Hierarchy

Chairperson Mr. S. Ramadorai reflected on his four decades of close association with Ratan Tata. He described Ratan Tata as a leader for whom “ideas mattered more than hierarchy”, and long-term societal impact outweighed short-term financial metrics.

He emphasized that Ratan Tata’s leadership extended beyond balance sheets — focusing instead on compassion, inclusivity, institution-building, and service to people. These qualities, he noted, resonate deeply with the ethos of TISS, where education is inseparable from social relevance and public purpose.

Prof. Zubin Mulla, Dean of the School of Management and Labour Studies, later observed:

“He was like a batsman at the crease — students kept spinning questions, and he responded passionately to each one, setting a high benchmark for this lecture series.”

Dr. Narendra Mishra, Officiating Registrar, TISS, remarked:

“What an inspiring session. TISS is honoured to have Mr. Nadir Godrej and his family. He is an ocean of knowledge, yet there is such humility in that knowledge.”

Education, Inclusion and Social Commitment

Burjis Godrej described the lecture as “thought-provoking” and praised the students for their socially conscious and carefully framed questions.

Engagement Beyond the Lecture Hall

The visit extended beyond the formal programme. A campus tree walk, led by Dr. Rafikh Shaikh, showcased the ecological richness of the TISS Campus. Mr. Godrej listened with keen interest and noted similarities between certain species and those found in Vikhroli.

He toured the campus from the New Campus to the Old Campus and visited the TISS ParZor Room, home to rare books, handwritten notes by Shapur Desai, and collections donated by Prof. Armaity Desai. The visit underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage alongside advancing modern scholarship.

Students gathered eagerly to meet Mr. Godrej, who warmly interacted with them, embodying the very values of accessibility and encouragement that the lecture celebrated.

The inaugural Ratan Tata Memorial Lecture did more than honour a towering industrialist. It reaffirmed a shared commitment — between business, academia, and civil society — to doing the right thing.

-Freny Daruwalla in collaboration with ParZor