Introduction to Tata Group and Lady Meherbai Tata

The Tata Group, a prominent private business conglomerate, is headquartered in Mumbai. Among its many enterprises is the TISCO company, which faced severe financial difficulties at one point. A remarkable woman played a crucial role in rescuing this company from its economic struggles. Let's explore who this woman was and how she managed to turn around Tata Steel's fortunes.

The Impact of Lady Meherbai Tata

This story revolves around Lady Meherbai Tata, a key figure credited with the recognition of Tata Steel today. Many may not be aware of her, but she is widely regarded as one of the first feminist icons in India. Lady Meherbai was known for her advocacy against child marriage, her support for women's suffrage, and her efforts to promote girls' education while opposing purdah practices. Additionally, her significant contributions to saving Tata Steel are noteworthy.

A Diamond's Role in Saving Tata Steel

In his latest book, 'Tata Stories', Harish Bhatt recounts how Lady Meherbai Tata saved the steel giant. Sir Dorabji Tata, the son of Jamsetji Tata, had purchased a 245.35-carat Jubilee diamond from London merchants for his wife, which was twice the size of the Kohinoor diamond. In the early 1900s, this diamond was valued at around £100,000. Lady Meherbai cherished this diamond for special occasions. However, in 1924, circumstances compelled her to sell it.

At that time, Tata Steel was facing a cash crisis, leaving the company unable to pay its employees. Lady Meherbai prioritized the welfare of the employees and the company over her personal assets, pledging the Jubilee diamond and her entire personal wealth to the Imperial Bank to raise funds for Tata Steel.

The Outcome of Her Sacrifice

Eventually, the company began to recover and repay its debts. Harish Bhatt notes in his book that during this challenging period, not a single worker was laid off, thanks to Lady Meherbai's intervention.

Lady Meherbai Tata's Advocacy for Women's Rights

According to the Tata Group, the Jubilee diamond was sold after Sir Dorabji Tata's death to establish the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Lady Meherbai was consulted for the Sharda Act, which aimed to abolish child marriage, passed in 1929. She actively campaigned for this cause both in India and abroad. She was also involved with the National Council of Women and the All India Women's Conference. On November 29, 1927, she advocated for the Hindu Marriage Bill in Michigan.

In 1930, she demanded equal political rights for women at the All India Women's Conference. Lady Meherbai was the president of the Indian Women's League Association and one of the founders of the Bombay Presidency Women's Council. Under her leadership, India was also represented in the International Women's Council.

A Trailblazer in Sports and Adventure

An avid tennis player, Lady Meherbai won over sixty awards in tennis tournaments and was the first Indian woman to compete in Olympic tennis. Interestingly, she played all her matches wearing a Parsi sari. Additionally, she was a skilled pianist.

She and her husband were often seen watching tennis matches at Wimbledon. Not only was she a talented tennis player, but she was also an excellent equestrian and became the first Indian woman to board a Zeppelin airship in 1912.