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Navsari: Navsari Management Association (NMA), an affiliate of All India Management Association (AIMA), has successfully conducted the 4th edition of J. N. Tata Memorial Lecture Series on June 18 at Navsari Town Hall, Pratiksha Society, Navsari. Over 1000 members, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and citizens were present for the event.
Shri T. V. Narendran, President, AIMA and CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel Limited, gave the keynote address. This event was attended by Shri Ashokbhai Dhorajiya – Mayor of Navsari City, Shri Rakeshbhai Desai – MLA, Navsari, and Shri Jignesh Desai, Co-founder, NJ Group.
The program kicked off with the National Anthem, followed by a film about the nationalists of the country, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, and their link with Navsari. Then, a lighting of the lamp was performed before the dignitaries. The welcome address was given by Mr. Rohan Sule (President, Navsari Management Association), who explained that the J. N. Tata Memorial Lecture Series is one of the flagship programs of NMA. Shri Ashokbhai Dhorajiya and Shri Rakeshbhai Desai were also at the venue. Shri Ashokbhai Dhorajiya, Mayor of Navsari City, presented the felicitations memento to the keynote speaker.
Shri T.V. Narendran spoke about the legacy of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata and the role of the Tata group in the development of the Nation, promoting a self-reliant and Responsible approach towards the enterprises. He spoke of J. N. Tata, who, about 20 years before the First World War, visited various countries to learn and research about the development of steel and industry elsewhere, and his resolve on India’s industrial future. He also spoke about J. N. Tata’s contribution towards organizations and enterprises like the Indian Institute of Science and Tata Power, and how self-reliance and a long-term solution were at the core of Tata’s vision, focusing on the nation.
On resilient enterprises, Shri Narendran highlighted three key elements of organizations: Purpose, People, and Process. “The mission of an organization should be explicit, individuals should ‘own’ the mission, and processes should facilitate the actualization of the mission.” He added that trust is one of the key assets of any organization, and “walking the talk” is key to his definition of culture, which is passed down through generations.
He also talked about the need of continual transformation in the enterprises for their relevance. Organizations need to continue their development of new capacities, restructuring, innovation, and future planning, using Tata Steel’s own experience as an example, he said. He pointed out that if profitability is to be the only bottom line for organizations, they cease to have a role in society at all; managers have to be aware of tomorrow’s needs, and they must make decisions today that will benefit them in the years ahead.
On the issue of technology and how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, Shri Narendran said that technology should not be looked at solely as a threat to jobs, as it also provides opportunities. But, he said, people who refuse to “embrace technology” might fall out of relevance. He also presented on topics such as climate change, sustainability, and innovation, and shared examples of the programs pursued by Tata Steel, such as recycling printed circuit boards from computers and using steel made from scrap to produce steel.
Shri Narendran also emphasized that business leaders need to consider not just the growth of business but the growth of the country’s communities. He voiced worry about the rising inequalities and emphasized the need for inclusive growth, volunteering, and participation in society. While delivering the address at both the college conference and school conference, he expressed his appreciation towards the role being played by the Navsari Management Association, which connects people to the past with the future and the young with the old.
Mr. Hardik Nayak, Past President and one of the Founders of NMA, facilitated an interactive question-and-answer session. In the session, Shri Narendran responded to queries related to recruitment, family businesses, relevance of small town business, culture, Tata Nano, and dealing with uncertainty. He said that in making a recruitment, besides qualifications, organizations take care of passion and cultural fit. He offered the following suggestions toward family businesses: He said it was necessary to allow the younger generation to have space to grow in the family business, and it also required the “purpose” of the enterprise to remain strong in the younger generation.
When asked what’s most important to him regarding small-town businesses, he said size is not the most important aspect – it’s the quality of work, the problem to be solved, and the relevance and importance of a business. If he’s uncertain, he says chaos and change are always a part of life, and leaders are no longer allowed to complain but have to get better at dealing with change. On the occasion of a query about Tata Nano, he replied, “I never lose. I either win or I learn,” evoking applause from the delegates.
Since 2020, NMA has successfully hosted the J. N. Tata Memorial Lecture Series in honor of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, an important figure in Indian industry, who was born in Navsari. The aim of the lecture series is to invite renowned business leaders and personalities from the industry to come to Navsari and awaken industry giants, professionals, and young minds. It has been graced by the presence of distinguished speakers such as Mr. Suhel Seth, Mr. R. Gopalakrishnan, and Mr. T. R. Doongaji in the past.
Mr. Keyur Desai, Secretary, Navsari Management Association, gave the vote of thanks at the event.
About Navsari Management Association
The Navsari Management Association (NMA) is an affiliate of the All India Management Association (AIMA), the top management body in India, and was started by the Rotary Club of Navsari with the aim of building a caring and confident community. NMA has sought to raise awareness, knowledge sharing, build capacity and promote good management education and practice in various segments of society over the last eight years. NMA aims to offer opportunities for self-development, skill enhancement, and experiential learning for individuals, professionals, organizations, and the community through its various programs, initiatives, and collaborations – opportunities that are local and affordable. Sticking to the principle of managerial excellence, ethics, and inclusive growth, NMA is aspiring to be a premier institution of high-standard managerial competency development, training, and education in South Gujarat.
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