The Moment When Ratan Tata Clarified A Viral Quote; Watch The Viral Video

Tata said, “It has been a default statement. You come to know of it when people read them back to you. And there's no remedial action that you can take with social media. And so you live with it"

Ratan Tata, one of India’s most esteemed industrialists, is celebrated not only for his exceptional leadership skills and extensive philanthropic efforts but also for his unassuming charm. Despite being a formidable business tycoon with a vast empire under his stewardship, Tata faced unique challenges brought about by the digital age. One notable example is the rapid and viral spread of a quote that he never actually uttered.

One particular quote attributed to him was fact-checked by Tata himself when asked about its meaning; he clarified that he had never actually spoken those words.

In a 2015 interview, Tata addressed his stance when an interviewer at an event in Paris attributed a famous quote to him: "I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and make them right." He clarified that he had never made that statement.

Tata gently corrected the anchor with a smile, saying, “I'm sorry, but Facebook or Twitter made that statement. It was never made by me.”

The interviewer, taken aback, remarked, “This is awkward,” prompting laughter from the audience. Tata quickly emphasised that little can be done to combat the viral spread of such misattributions.

He said, “It has been a default statement. You come to know of it when people read them back to you. And there's no remedial action that you can take with social media. And so you live with it.”

He added: “Some people think it's arrogant for you to have stated that, and you don't have a chance to defend yourself by saying you never did. And some people think it's a great thing to say, and you quietly keep quiet.” 

The exchange showcased Tata’s grace in handling misconceptions while highlighting social media's profound impact. The quote, which has circulated widely online, is frequently misattributed to him. A video of this interaction has recently gone viral once again.

Ratan Tata, the esteemed Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 86.