Kalam to open celebrations by Tatas July 30

Thursday, 17 June 2004, 19:30 IST
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BANGALORE: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will open a year-long series of events here July 30 to commemorate the birth anniversaries of J.R.D. Tata and Naval Tata and mark the death anniversary of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. Befitting the occasion, the events will be launched from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the dream child of Jamsetji, who pioneered India's steel industry, brought electricity to Mumbai and built the country's first luxury hotel, the Taj Mahal. Tata Sons director Jamshed J. Irani told reporters here Wednesday the House of Tatas will mark the launch of the events with the announcement of a surprise gift to the nation that will tap the enormous potential of India's natural and human resources, with special focus on education and healthcare. "The tri-centenaries of programmes will have an exhibition on products and services of the Tata group, quiz contests, commemorative lectures, seminars, adventure and sport activities," he said. A series of books and souvenirs on the role and contribution of the Tatas will be released on the occasion. "Though we were planning to have the inaugural event in Mumbai or Delhi to suit the convenience of the president, Kalam was gracious to suggest Bangalore in recognition of the contribution Jamsetji and JRD made for the development of science and technology in the country," Irani said. The Tatas plan to invest billions of rupees in the centenary project. An exhibition will travel to leading cities across the country, including Delhi, Bombay, Pune and Jamshedpur. "The commemoration is being held in honour of all three Tatas. Though Tatas are a household name, the event will highlight to the nation what the industrial empire has accomplished in diverse sectors, especially in fulfilling the social objectives of Tata Sons," Irani noted. During the inaugural event, five designer wristwatches with JRD's signature will be launched by Titan Industries, a group company based in Bangalore. Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, son of Naval Tata, will present the vision of the group that will reflect goals and objectives to be achieved in the next 100 years. Admitting the Tatas were conservative when it came to publicity, Irani said the function will spread awareness of the group's activities spanning business, social and philanthropic activities.
Source: IANS
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