Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar conferred upon Ratan Tata

Mumbai, May 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna conferred the prestigious ''Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar'' upon noted industrialist Ratan Tata at a glittering function here this evening.

''I believe this award will inspire others on the Tata spirit of entrepreneurship,'' the Governor said while bestowing the award upon Mr Tata. He lauded the business ethics practiced by the Tatas.

The awards function was attended among others by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and National Knowledge Commission chairman Sam Pitroda.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Deshmukh said the Tatas investment in the state had been foremost and maximum in the areas of academics, research, technology and industry that had catapulted Maharashtra in the list of industrialised states in the country. ''I strongly feel that Ratan Tata deserves the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar and is a fit recepient,'' he added.

Mr Pitroda recalled how Mr Tata had quietly transformed the Tata group into a great conglomerate through patience. ''The change created is unique as he undertook the whole excercise with utmost sincerity, honesty and commitment to the people. Very few in the Indian industry follow Ratan's ethics and style,'' he said.

Mr Tata expressed his gratitude saying. ''I was born and raised in Mumbai. I am a non-marathi speaking Maharashtrian and I thank the Government of Maharashtra for bestowing me with such a honour.

State Cultural and Industry Minister Ashok Chavan said Mr Tata has become a respected icon to be emulated by the corporate India.

Born in Mumbai on December 28, 1937, Mr Tata holds a degree in Architecture and Advanced Management Programme from Cornell and Harvard University respectively. He joined the Tata group in 1962 and was assigned to various companies before being appointed the chairman of Tata sons in 1991, the apex body of the Tata Group.

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