JRD Tata's 118th birth anniversary: Remembering father of Indian aviation

JRD Tata was born on July 29, 1904. Today marks the 118th birth anniversary of the former chairman of the Tata Group. A visionary who was honoured with India's highest civilian award, "Bharat Ratna", Tata led Tata & Sons to the pinnacle of success. He also received Padma Vibhushan.

Tata, named Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata at birth, was the founder of numerous industries under the Tata group.

Here are some lesser-known facts about business tycoon and aviator JRD Tata that you probably didn't know:

1. JRD Tata was rewarded with the United Nations Population Award for implementing the family planning movements in India.
2. He was born in France and went to serve the French Army for a year after the completion of his studies in London.
3. He was honoured with the highest reward for military merits, the French Legion of Honor.
4. Dorabji Tata Trust established the first-ever cancer hospital in Asia. JRD Tata was a trustee of this trust for over 50 years.
5. Under the Aviator's guidance, the Tata Memorial Center for Cancer was started in 1941.
6. Tata was revered with the Bharat Ratna.
7. After returning to India, he joined Tata & Sons as a trainee with no pay. He became the chairman of Tata & Sons after 12 years of hard work.
8. JRD Tata was the first Indian citizen to get a commercial pilot license, and later on, he built Air India, previously known as Tata Airlines, in 1932.
9. He passed away due to a kidney infection in Geneva, and the Parliament of India adjourned in mourning on his death.

What was JRD Tata's vision of the future?
Tata's vision of India was that of a happier and prosperous nation. He wanted to make India an industrial economy. He had a vision for the Tata Memorial Hospital. He believed that the hospital would be able to carry out treatment, education, and research purposes and would add to the betterment of the society.