une, 11th February 2024: The industrial landscape of Pune and India at large has witnessed significant transformations, thanks to the contributions of iconic companies like Tata and Bajaj. At the ongoing History Literature Festival hosted by the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, the audience had the privilege of delving into the historical journey of these industrial giants.
Harish Bhat, an author and Tata Group marketer, shed light on the rich history of the Tatas, while Sanghamitra Chatterjee, a heritage management professional, provided insights into the Bajaj family and their industrial legacy. Chinmay Tumbe, a writer, historian, and economist, facilitated the engaging conversation between these two experts.
The Tata Group, known for laying the foundation of steel manufacturing in India, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s industrial development. Bhat highlighted the Tatas’ commitment to employee welfare by introducing India’s first accidental insurance for workers in the 19th century. He also emphasized the Tatas’ contributions to social welfare, including the establishment of pension schemes and provident funds for employees.
Further connecting the Tatas to Pune, Bhat shared a fascinating anecdote about the founder’s concern for India’s absence in the Olympics. While watching a sports competition at the Deccan Gymkhana in Pune, Tata took swift action, writing to the government and ultimately sending the first Indian team to the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp.
Turning the spotlight to the Bajaj family, Sanghamitra Chatterjee revealed the personal history of Jamnalal Bajaj, the adopted son who found guidance and inspiration in Mahatma Gandhi. The Bajaj family’s lifestyle mirrored that of Gandhiji’s, and they even lived in an Ashram in Wardha for several years.
Chatterjee explained Rahul Bajaj’s outspokenness by recounting an incident from Jamnalal Bajaj’s childhood when, at the age of 13, he had a frank dispute with his father, expressing his independence from wealth.
The discussion also touched upon the beginnings of both families’ businesses in Pune, attributing the success of Tata Motors and Bajaj’s Vespa scooter and rickshaw plant to the initiative of S G Barve, a Pune official. The session brought to light intriguing stories about Tata’s ‘Indica’ cars and Bajaj’s ‘Chetak’ scooters, both proudly manufactured in Pune.
In essence, the audience gained valuable insights into the profound impact of Tata and Bajaj families on Pune’s growth and India’s industrial landscape.
