Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata conjures up the memory of a man whose life and achievements could be best described in the words of Shakespeare: “ His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up/ And say to all the world,' This was a man!”. JRD Tata was born in Paris 1904 and his father was Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and his mother was a French lady. From a very young age he imbibed the ideals and philosophy of the Tatas which were refreshingly different from those of other industrial houses. Money-making or profit-making always remained secondary to the attainment of higher objectives in life. And JRD's life was a saga of such a life. He was just not the emperor of the business kingdom of Tatas he was a multi-faceted personality, a far-sighted, sagacious captain of the industry, an adventurist, a visionary and above all a great philanthropist.

JRD Tata received his education in France, England and Japan and served in the French military and on his return to India he became the head of the Tata group at fairly young age.and continued in the position as chairman for five long decades heralding a new chapter in the success story of Tatas.

The pioneering philanthropic work that he planned and executed with missionary zeal led to foundation of institutions which are household names today. In 1941 came into existence India's first cancer hospital in Mumbai The TATA Memorial Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment which is the destination for thousands of cancer-stricken patients all over the country. Similarly he founded the Tata Institute of Social Sciences which is premier institution in this field. Perhaps the establishment of Tata Institute of Fundamental Science was one of his monumental achievements which scientists of the country would always remember him in great reverence.

He was a true humanist who would inspire the future generations to dedicate themselves to the cause of humanity and let bow our heads to the memory of this greatest son of India.