Customer Reviews

Beyond the Last Blue Mountain: the Authorised Biography of J.R.D. Tata

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book on JRD Tata is extremely one sided. Reading it gives you the impression that the author has deliberately chosen to ignore actions which are controversial or not so palatable. I do not think a biography should be written in this way. No personality is black or white, invariably it is grey; and an objective biographer should neither try to idolize nor put down his subject. Maybe it is a problem with all biographies written during the subject's lifetime. Especially in cases where the biographer has secured the cooperation of his subject and feels it would be letting him down if he were to publicize certain aspects which may not necessarily be in favourable light. Nevertheless, whatever the criticism of the way in which this book is written, I must say that there is a lot one can learn from JRD Tata's life. Here was a man who inspite of being a successful businessman and head of an industrial empire was extremely sensitive and humane. Inspite of being born into riches, he was extremely caring and considerate to the cause of his employees, shareholders and above all to his country. He always thought that economic enterprise should further and not harm the cause of a nation. Infact it is written in the book that he has probably fired an employee only once or twice in his whole lifetime. There is a lot one can learn from his life on managing men . One realises after reading this book that provided the person at the top has a conscience, capitalism and free enterprise need not be solely greed and ugliness. It can further the general good. JRD who was an extremely succesful industrialist aptly demonstrated this in his lifetime. To Lala's credit, this aspect does come out very clearly in the biography.

His achievements are undeniable, and the book is an enlightening read even though the biographer's style does nothing to help the reader. How I wish someone like David McCullough could do justice to JRD's unique life!