The birth of the Indian industry was a product of the vision that the Founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata had for the economic liberty of India and its people. He planned for it through the advancement of steel, power and knowledge. The creation of wealth by these industries was, he believed, the means to achieving the real purpose of “improving the quality of life” of the people of his country.
After all possible sites in India were evaluated in 1907, the confluence of the rivers Subarnarekha and Kharkai in eastern Indian was chosen as the birthplace of Indian heavy industry. The industrial town of Jamshedpur evolved from the tiny hamlet of Sakchi, nestled in the forests of the Chotanagpur Plateau.
Even as the blueprint for the steel works was being drawn up Jamsetji Tata envisioned the quality of life he would like to be provided in India’s first modern planned city.
“Be sure to lay wide streets planted with shady trees, every other of a quick growing variety. Be sure there is plenty of space for lawns and gardens. Reserve large areas for football, hockey and parks. Earmark areas for Hindu temples, Mohammendan mosques and Christian churches. |
