Tata Sons chairman marks 60 years of Tata operations in the United States and receives distinguished achievement award from global human rights organisation
May 26, 2005

Ratan N Tata, Group chairman, Tata Sons, one of India's oldest, largest and most respected business conglomerates, marked the 60th anniversary of the Group as an incorporated company in the United States at a gala celebration in New York city. The event, which brought together senior leaders from Fortune 500 organisations as well as leaders of Tata Group companies from around the world, offered a unique glimpse into the broader Tata story for a predominantly U.S. audience.

"Tata has had a long a celebrated history of close relations with the United States, ever since our founder, Mr Jamsetji Tata, requested the assistance of an American, Mr Charles Page Perin, to support him in developing the first steel plant within India," said Mr Ratan N Tata, Group chairman, Tata Sons. "This event not only celebrates our close ties within the US, it also stands as an example of the strong relations India has had with the United States over the years."

During his trip to New York, Ratan N Tata was also the proud recipient of the prestigious International Distinguished Achievement Award from B'nai B'rith International, one the world's oldest and largest human rights, community action and humanitarian organisations.

"Tata Sons, along with other Tata companies, represents the best in corporate philanthropy, and together present an inspiring story of a group that has created wealth for a nation, holding 63 percent of its revenue in the Tata Philanthropic Trusts," said B'nai B'rith officials upon bestowing the award to Mr Tata. "These trusts have sponsored and promoted a number of public institutions including hospitals, education and research centres, and scientific and cultural establishments throughout India and Asia."

B'nai B'rith shares with the Tata Group a commitment to supporting programmes that offer community service and international relief. Proceeds from the gala event will fund B'nai B'rith programmes around the world, including the award-winning disaster-relief programme, a global initiative that provides financial assistance to restore areas that have been affected by natural devastation, including the tsunami-devastated areas of Southeast Asia.