Letters: Totally unexpected

It hurts the esteem of the Indian corporate world in general and Tata Group in particular

With reference to the report, “I was made a lame duck chairman: Mistry” (October 27), I am ashamed at what is happening at the venerable Tata Group. It is immaterial who is wrong, who is right — Ratan Tata or Cyrus Mistry — the important point is that over the last few days the actions of both of them have hurt the esteem of the Indian corporate world in general and Tata Group in particular.

Tata Group has been associated with strong ethics, good governance and great quality products. Anything carrying the Tata name was never in doubt about being of good quality. Starting from steel, through trucks, salt, tea, coffee, hotels, realty and for the last few years, software development, the group led with unquestionable quality and unqualified service. 

There were minor glitches — Nano and housing — but these were dismissed as the result of actions of lower level executives. The integrity and intentions of the top management were never in doubt.

There have been internal differences, succession battles and internecine wars in several family-controlled groups in the country. The decent ones sorted out their issues through discussion and advice from friends; some — particularly those in north India — washed their dirty linen in public. 

Never once did I imagine that the Tata Group would resort to that.

            Krishan Kalra   Gurgaon Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to: 

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