How ‘Suswagatam’ Marked the Beginning of a Deep Bond Between Ratan Tata and PM Modi

As the nation mourns the passing of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, an old photograph brings to light the profound bond he shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which began in 2008 with the word “Suswagatam,” meaning “welcome” in Sanskrit.

This simple word marked the start of a significant chapter in both Ratan Tata’s business journey and the Gujarat government’s industrial transformation.

Reflecting on this special connection, the Modi Archive paid tribute, stating, “Suswagatam—a one-word text from then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to Ratan Tata marked the beginning of a deep bond. Today, as we mourn the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, his legacy, vision, and shared love for India remain with us. Om Shanti.”

The story dates back to late 2008 when Tata Motors faced the challenging decision to halt its highly anticipated Nano project in Singur, West Bengal, due to political unrest. Determined to find a solution, Tata Motors sought a new location for the plant. Various states made offers, but it was Gujarat that ultimately earned Tata Motors’ trust.

Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, quickly proposed 1,100 acres of prime land in Sanand at Rs 3.5 lakh per acre, offering a viable solution to the company’s relocation crisis. Following this announcement, Modi sent a one-word SMS—”Suswagatam”—to Ratan Tata, welcoming the project to Gujarat.

Interestingly, the Sanand land held historical significance for the Tata family; over a century earlier, Jamsetji Tata had donated Rs 1,000 to establish a cattle farm there during a severe drought, adding to the location’s importance.

In the following months, Tata Motors relocated its equipment from Singur to Sanand, leaving behind valuable structures. On June 2, 2010, Ratan Tata inaugurated the Rs 2,000 crore Sanand plant in the presence of Narendra Modi, marking a new era for both the company and the region.

The Tata investment soon attracted other major players, with Ford announcing a Rs 4,000 crore investment for a nearby plant in 2011. This wave of investment continued with companies like Peugeot, Hitachi, and Cadila Healthcare setting up operations in Gujarat, transforming the state into an industrial powerhouse.

Following Ratan Tata’s passing, PM Modi expressed his sorrow, recalling, “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We exchanged views on diverse issues, and I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. I am extremely pained by his passing. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

Ratan Tata’s legacy in shaping India’s industrial landscape and his enduring bond with PM Modi will be remembered as a testament to his visionary leadership, inspiring future generations even as the nation bids farewell to one of its most iconic business leaders.