Ratan Tata, the revered former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. His death signifies the conclusion of an influential era for both the Tata Group and the Indian business landscape as a whole.

A Legacy of Transformation

Born on December 28, 1937, in Navsari, Gujarat, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He assumed leadership as chairman in 1991 during a critical period of economic liberalization in India. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group diversified into various sectors such as IT, steel, automobiles, and hospitality. One of his notable achievements was the launch of the Tata Nano in 2008, which aimed to provide affordable transportation to millions.

Tata’s strategic vision led to significant global acquisitions, including Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea, transforming the Tata Group into a $100 billion conglomerate by 2012. His tenure saw over 60 acquisitions that expanded the group’s international footprint and solidified its place on the global stage.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Beyond his business prowess, Ratan Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy through the Tata Trusts. His contributions significantly impacted healthcare, education, and rural development initiatives across India. His dedication to social causes earned him prestigious accolades such as the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004.

Tata championed entrepreneurship by investing in startups and fostering innovation through initiatives like Tata Capital and Tata Start-up Hub. Reports suggest he donated around 60-65% of his income to charitable causes, underscoring his commitment to societal betterment.

Tributes and Mourning

The announcement of Ratan Tata’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across various sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as “a visionary business leader” whose contributions were “immeasurable.” Mukesh Ambani and Sundar Pichai also expressed their condolences, emphasizing Tata’s role in elevating India’s presence on the global stage.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced that Tata would receive a state funeral in recognition of his invaluable contributions to Indian society and industry. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes under hashtags like #RatanTata and #EndOfAnEra, reflecting the profound impact he had on countless lives.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata’s death is not merely a loss for his family and friends; it represents a significant loss for a nation that viewed him as a guiding light in both business and philanthropy. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations as they navigate the complexities of industry and social responsibility. Ratan Tata may be gone, but his remarkable life and contributions will be remembered for years to come.

As India mourns this great leader, it is vital to reflect on his enduring impact—one that transcended corporate boundaries and touched lives across various sectors. Ratan Tata leaves behind a legacy characterized by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to upliftment.

The Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association (APHA) has declared a statewide boycott of Swiggy, effective October 14, 2024. This decision stems from ongoing grievances regarding the food delivery platform’s alleged unethical practices and its failure to make timely payments to restaurants.

Reasons for the Boycott

At a media conference on October 4, APHA President R.V. Swamy outlined several critical issues that prompted this drastic action. One of the primary concerns is the significant financial losses that restaurants are experiencing due to Swiggy’s high commission rates. Initially, both Swiggy and Zomato operated in Andhra Pradesh with zero commission fees. However, these rates have escalated over time, with Swiggy now charging between 20% to 30% on orders. According to Swamy, restaurants are losing between 40% to 60% of their menu prices because of these practices.

Another major issue raised by the APHA is the delay in payouts from Swiggy, which reportedly holds restaurant earnings for up to 12 days. This delay places immense financial strain on smaller establishments that rely heavily on timely revenue to sustain their operations.

Allegations of Unethical Practices

The APHA has accused Swiggy of implementing “uninformed discounts,” where price reductions are applied without consulting restaurant management. This practice not only affects the profits of the establishments but also leads to confusion among customers regarding pricing. Furthermore, members of the association expressed concerns about Swiggy altering restaurant menus without prior consent, often selling items at lower prices or offering promotions like “Buy One Get One Free.” Such actions undermine restaurants’ pricing strategies and can damage their brand integrity.

Additionally, the association criticized Swiggy’s refund policies, stating that neither customers nor restaurants receive refunds for canceled orders. This lack of accountability exacerbates the financial difficulties faced by restaurants already struggling with high operational costs.

Response from Zomato

In contrast to Swiggy, Zomato has reportedly engaged in constructive discussions with the APHA and has shown willingness to address many of their concerns. Zomato’s responsiveness has fostered a more favorable relationship with restaurant owners, highlighting a growing divide in how each platform is perceived within the industry.

Future Implications

The impending boycott against Swiggy signifies a critical moment in the ongoing tensions between food delivery platforms and local businesses. As APHA prepares to halt sales through Swiggy, it remains uncertain how this decision will affect both the delivery service and participating restaurants across Andhra Pradesh.

This boycott could serve as a wake-up call for food delivery companies to reassess their business practices and consider more equitable arrangements with restaurant partners. The outcome may influence similar actions in other regions as restaurant owners increasingly seek fair treatment in an evolving market landscape.

In conclusion, the APHA’s decision to boycott Swiggy reflects deep-rooted frustrations within the restaurant industry regarding commission rates, payment practices, and overall treatment by food delivery platforms. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how both parties respond and whether any resolutions can be reached before October 14.

The Mahindra Group has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey by launching a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) division. This initiative, spearheaded by Bhuwan Lodha, aims to harness the power of AI across the conglomerate’s diverse business sectors, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.

Centralizing AI Efforts

The newly established AI division is designed to centralize all AI-related activities within the Mahindra Group. By consolidating these efforts, the group seeks to implement a more coherent and effective strategy for utilizing AI technologies across its various enterprises. Lodha, who previously served as the digital chief for Mahindra’s automotive sector, emphasized that the growing importance of AI over the past two years necessitated this focused approach. He noted that many companies had been experimenting with AI on a smaller scale, but now there is a concerted effort to bring these initiatives into mainstream operations.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Sectors

The AI division is committed to developing tailored solutions that cater specifically to the needs of Mahindra’s diverse business units, which include automotive, real estate, and hospitality. The division will not only create proprietary solutions but will also seek out innovative technologies from startups and academic institutions globally. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that each sector benefits from cutting-edge advancements in AI.

Collaboration with Tech Mahindra

While the new division will not have the same capacity to hire domain specialists as Tech Mahindra, the group’s IT services arm, it plans to closely collaborate with Tech M to leverage their expertise. This partnership will facilitate the development and deployment of advanced AI solutions tailored to enhance operational efficiency across Mahindra’s various businesses.

Building Talent and Career Opportunities

One of the key goals of the AI division is to consolidate talent within the Mahindra Group. By creating a dedicated career path for professionals specializing in AI, the division aims to attract and retain skilled workers who can contribute meaningfully across multiple sectors. Lodha highlighted that this initiative would not only provide exciting career opportunities but also foster a culture of innovation within the organization.

Generative AI Implementation

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), a prominent entity within the group, has already begun implementing generative AI technologies in its operations. The company has automated maintenance processes for robots and heavy machinery on factory floors, significantly reducing downtime and improving productivity. Additionally, generative AI is being utilized to enhance customer service through advanced chatbots, which streamline interactions and save time for customer service agents.

Strategic Partnership with Google Cloud

In a complementary move, Tech Mahindra recently announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud aimed at accelerating generative AI adoption across Mahindra’s businesses. This collaboration will leverage Google Cloud’s advanced AI technologies to develop applications that enhance critical business functions such as engineering, supply chain management, and customer service. By integrating these technologies, Mahindra aims to optimize operations and improve customer experiences significantly.

Conclusion

The establishment of a dedicated AI division within the Mahindra Group underscores its commitment to embracing technological innovation as a driver of business success. By centralizing its AI initiatives and fostering collaboration with industry leaders like Tech Mahindra and Google Cloud, the group is well-positioned to unlock new growth opportunities across its diverse portfolio. As this division evolves, it will be interesting to observe how it transforms operations within Mahindra and sets new benchmarks in various industries.