"FOR THE LOVE OF INDIA: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMSETJI TATA (ISBN# 067-005782-7) – by Russi M. Lala.
As Zarthustis everywhere and most Indians know, Jamsetji Tata is
proudly regarded in India and across the world as the "Father of
India's Industrial Revolution". Yet, a worth-while biography of this
great man - whose contributions are unique and unparalleled among
Zarathustis anywhere in the world - had not been written until now. But
all of you, and your South Asian friends, may be interested in knowing
that this is no longer so.
Because, Russi M. Lala, a well-known Zarathusti journalist and author
of many best-selling books (some so popular, that they have even been
translated into Japanese), has just produced a a superbly written and
meticulously-researched biography: "FOR THE LOVE OF INDIA: THE LIFE AND
TIMES OF JAMSETJI TATA (ISBN# 0-67-005782-7).
A person no less than the President of India, launched it on July 23.
By doing so, he honoured the world-wide Zarathusti community, the
author and above all, Jamsetji Tata as a person who "loved with a love
that knew no bounds, the land that gave him birth".
This magnificent biography insightfully explores how a man of humble
birth living in the 19th century when India was firmly under British
rule, implemented visionary projects which laid the foundation for his
nation's industrial development once it would became independent.
Jamsetji did so with the unerring instinct of a man who knew what it
would take to restore the pride of his subjugated nation and prepare it
for a place among the leading industrialized countries once it came
into its own. Indeed it did a century later, and became the world's
6th largest industrialised nation thanks to his far-sighted endeavors.
The Indian Institute of Science - to nurture a cadre of versatile
scientists India would need, a large integrated textile mill - to
undercut the monopoly of UK's textile industry, coal mining-iron ore
extracting-steel making facilities - to provide meaningful sinews for
the country's industrial base, hydro-electric generation - to harness
cheap power that industries would need, a world-class hotel - to tap
India's world-tourism potential and a shipping line - to break the
stranglehold of British carriers on India's trade, are amongst
those "first ever" projects Jamsetji pioneered out of an abiding
passion to advance India and her people. An added achievement was to
bring them to fruition against tremendous political odds and that too,
by tapping capital from the Indian public for the first time ever through financial instruments unknown to the country till then.
Thanks to Russi Lala's fascinating penmanship, the saga of Jamsetji's
life and his tryst with India's destiny, is now available for
Zarathustis as well as South Asians everywhere to know. Both will want
to share it with their young ones, to make them aware of this unique
Zarathusti and his towering national achievements. If they and their
children read this biography, it can only redound by creating a great
image for the community
Those in India can buy this hard-cover book for a meager Rs. 395, since
it is published and marketed by Viking-Penguin Books of India. Those in
North America, Europe, UK, Pakistan, Australasia and other countries,
can order it from the Amazon website. I believe that Amazon has a stock
in North America, of this marvelous biography.
My purpose in this posting is merely to create awareness about the
biography of this great and towering Zarathusti and Indian nationalist.
I hope it will serve that goal.
Adi Davar