In a remarkable moment in Indian corporate history, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, extended an invitation to Ratan Tata in 2004 to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room at Infosys.

This invitation was surprising given that Tata was leading Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a direct competitor to Infosys.

Tata's Surprise: Tata questioned Murthy about the invitation, to which Murthy responded that Jamshedji Tata’s legacy transcended company boundaries, emphasizing patriotism over competition.

"TCS is your rival. Why did you invite me?" Tata asked.

Despite his initial surprise, Tata accepted the invitation, marking a significant moment of respect beyond business rivalry. Murthy recalled Tata’s modesty, noting that he preferred a short speech during the event.

At the time, TCS was the largest IT company in India, with Infosys closely following.

Murthy reflected on Tata's visit, highlighting his humility and patriotism. Their professional rivalry did not hinder their mutual respect, demonstrated in 2020 when Murthy honored Tata with a Lifetime Achievement Award at TiEcon Mumbai.

"I told him, Jamshedji Tata transcended companies. He was a patriotic Indian, and for us, we don't think of Jamshedji as belonging to a group that competed with us," Murthy said.

Murthy expressed profound respect for Tata, who passed away at 86, calling him a giant in Indian industry.

"Ratan was a giant in Indian industry, not just for his achievements, but for his decency, humility, and patriotism."

Why It Matters: The invitation from Murthy to Tata in 2004 is significant as it showcased a moment of unity and respect in the competitive Indian IT industry.

This event is particularly poignant in light of Tata’s recent passing on Oct. 9, at the age of 86.

Following his death, prominent figures such as Narendra Modi, Gautam Adani, and Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Tata, acknowledging his immense contributions to Indian industry.

Additionally, the Tata Trusts Board convened to discuss succession plans following Tata’s death, appointing Noel Tata.

These events underscore the enduring influence of Ratan Tata and the respect he commanded across the industry, transcending competitive boundaries.

Read Next: FIIs, Mutual Funds Raise Stake In This PSU Stock

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photos courtesy: Wikimedia and British High Commission