Tata group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata told students of T.A. Pai Management Institute here to aspire to make a difference in the world rather than strive for personal advancement as selfless service was the key to becoming a successful manager.
Tata interacted with students Monday on a day-long visit to this coastal town, about 410 km from Bangalore.
"Tata was optimistic about the future of business in the country but stressed the need for strong leadership in the political arena," institute spokesman R. Hareesh told IANS here Tuesday.
On the group withdrawing its application for setting up a new bank, Tata said the regulatory terms to operate in the banking sector were in conflict with the group's functioning.
Explaining the group's strong cultural values, Tata told the business school students that he was skeptical about the law that mandated companies to undertake corporate social responsibility (CSR).
"CSR should come naturally to all corporates to serve society with responsibility than by a mandate from the state," Tata asserted.
Recalling his association with his uncle J.R.D. Tata, who mentored him into a leader, Tata said JRD taught him to be low key, uphold values and never to be motivated by greed.
On brain drain, Tata said if adequate facilities and opportunities were made available within the country, students and professionals could be encouraged to stay back.
Earlier, Tata visited the Puttige Vidyapeetha at Udupi in this coastal district and unveiled the newly-built entrance tower (swagata gopura) of the Moola Puttige mutt.
The Vidyapeetha educates students in holy Hindu texts, priestly duties and astrological traditions.
The mutt's pontiff Sugunendra Tirtha Swami greeted Tata in the traditional manner with a royal umbrella in the presence of Manipal University Chancellor Ramdas M. Pai and Registrar G.K. Prabhu.
The seer also showed Tata ancient palm leaf manuscripts preserved at the Vadiraja research foundation in the mutt's premises.
"I met the seer by chance at the New York airport recently. I am pleased to visit the Vidyapeetha. It is wonderful to be here," Tata told students gathered at the mutt.
