Ratan Tata’s Response to a Man’s Question: “How Do You Avoid Corruption?”

In a 2010 exclusive interview with NDTV, industrialist Ratan Tata recounted an intriguing conversation he had with another billionaire. During their discussion, the billionaire suggested that Mr. Tata should pay ₹15 crore to a minister for an undisclosed business deal.

Mr. Tata firmly declined the proposal. When the fellow industrialist questioned him, “How do you avoid corruption?” Mr. Tata responded, “It has to be self-regulating. You will never understand.”

Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. His death signifies the conclusion of an era in Indian business, as he significantly transformed the nation’s industrial landscape and elevated his family-owned conglomerate to a global powerhouse. This news has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country.

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“I want to go to bed at night feeling that I have not done it (corruption),” Mr. Tata remarked.

He will be cremated today with full state honors. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a day of mourning in tribute to the legendary industrialist and philanthropist. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices in Maharashtra as a sign of respect, and numerous events scheduled for Thursday have been canceled.

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Mr. Tata’s body will be available for public viewing at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10 AM to 4 PM today, allowing people to pay their final respects.