#memory
Russi Mody.
16 May is the death anniversary of Russi Modi (1918 – 2014 ).
In India where captains of industry are seldom celebrated, Russian Modi attained cult status in his lifetime, and was called the Steelman of India.
Son of Sir Homi Modi who was a Director of the Tata Group, Rustom Hormusji Modi was educated in England in Harrow and Oxford.
He joined TISCO ( now Tata Steel ) as an office assistant in 1939 and steadily rose to become a Director in 1953.
He was Managing Director for 19 years and the last 9 years as Chairman & Managing Director.
He was forced to retire in 1993 as part of the new policy of the Tata Group initiated by Ratan Tata, that the CEOs should retire at the age of 75.
Prime Minister Narasimha Rao could thus utilise his expertise and Modi was appointed Joint Managing Director of both Indian Airlines and Air India.
TISCO Jamshedpur was the first major industry started by the founder Jamshedji Tata and the company has been the flag bearer of the Tata group for generations.
It was Russi Modi who made TISCO (Tata Steel ) into a global giant . He ensured the impressive growth of the company through his affable nature and man management. Tata Steel didn’t have a single labour strike during his long tenure.
Anecdotes are galore about his colourful lifestyle. He was a lifelong bachelor. One interesting anecdote is: as a student in England, Russi accompanied Einstein on the piano, with Einstein playing the violin.
Tatas have established the Russi Modi Center of Excellence in honour of this legend.
Modi was a recipient of the Padmabhushan award.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
