Old Images Of JRD Tata, India’s First Qualified Pilot, Are Reminding People Of Nikola Tesla

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata or more popularly known as JRD Tata, is the man behind the expansion of Tata. Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Titan Industries, Tata Salt, Voltas and Air India were founded by Tata, who also became the first licensed pilot in India.

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As a young adult, Tata fancied France and flying more than anything else. He was born in Paris in 1904, to RD Tata. He was tutored in France, Japan and England before being enlisted into the French army for a mandatory one-year period. While JRD wanted to extend his stint in the forces, his father did not allow him to continue. Leaving the French army, however, saved his life, because shortly after he left, the regiment that he served in was wiped out while on an expedition in Morocco.

The businessman immediately shifted his focus on securing an engineering degree from Cambridge, but his father, RD Tata summoned his son back to India. “One more year has fallen on my shoulders. I have been looking back and also deep inside myself with the merciless eye of conscience, and have been trying to find out whether during this last year I have gained in experience or wisdom. I haven’t found out much yet,” wrote Tata in a letter to his father on his 21st birthday in 1925 as he found himself on the threshold of a business career in a country that he had no connection with.

JRD joined the Tata business as an unpaid apprentice and soon found him on the board of Tata Sons after his father’s death. He channelled his love for flying into the business and start an airmail service that would connect Bombay, Ahmedabad and Karachi. In 1932, Tata Aviation Service, the predecessor to Tata Airlines and Air India, took its first flight, and the rest is history.

Now ever since Air India returned to its rightful owners, pictures of JRD Tata have been going viral online. A picture of his license has become the talk of the town. People cannot help but draw similarities between his picture and that of Nikola Tesla, who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

Take A Look At The Picture Below:

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