‘TCS is your rival. why did you invite me?’: Ratan Tata’s surprising poser to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy

Tata, despite his surprise, accepted the invitation, and the event turned into a defining moment, symbolizing respect that went beyond rivalry.

In 2004, a moment that would become iconic in Indian corporate history unfolded when Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, invited Ratan Tata to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room at Infosys. Tata, who was leading Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), was taken aback by the invitation. With TCS being a direct competitor to Infosys, Tata couldn’t help but ask, “TCS is your rival. Why did you invite me?

When Rivals Embrace: The Story of Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata at the Jamshedji Tata Room

In 2004, a moment of profound significance and grace unfolded in the Indian corporate world, when Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, extended an invitation to Ratan Tata, the then-chairman of the Tata Group, to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room at Infosys. This simple yet extraordinary gesture created ripples in the business community, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and respect—values that are often overshadowed in the fiercely competitive world of business.

The event not only became a part of corporate folklore but also underscored the importance of mutual admiration, even among industry rivals.

When Rivals Embrace: The Story of Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata at the Jamshedji Tata Room

In 2004, a moment of profound significance and grace unfolded in the Indian corporate world, when Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, extended an invitation to Ratan Tata, the then-chairman of the Tata Group, to inaugurate the Jamshedji Tata Room at Infosys. This simple yet extraordinary gesture created ripples in the business community, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and respect—values that are often overshadowed in the fiercely competitive world of business.

The event not only became a part of corporate folklore but also underscored the importance of mutual admiration, even among industry rivals.

The Unexpected Invitation

TCS and Infosys, two of India’s largest IT companies, were competitors vying for dominance in the rapidly expanding global software services market. Ratan Tata, who was leading Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) at the time, was taken by surprise when he received the invitation from Murthy. His surprise turned into curiosity when he asked Murthy, “TCS is your rival. Why did you invite me?”

Murthy’s response was simple yet profound:
“TCS may be a rival, but Jamshedji Tata is an inspiration to all of us.”

A Tribute to Visionary Leadership

The decision to dedicate a room at Infosys in the name of Jamshedji Tata—the founder of the Tata Group—was not an ordinary one. Murthy’s admiration for Jamshedji Tata’s contributions to India’s industrial and social progress was evident in this gesture. It reflected the broader values that transcended business competition—respect for visionary leadership, integrity, and nation-building.

By inviting Tata to inaugurate the room, Murthy showed that corporate success isn’t just about outpacing competitors but also about drawing inspiration from pioneers who laid the foundation for future generations. Jamshedji Tata was not just a businessman; he was a visionary who dreamt of an industrialized India long before independence, a dream that continues to inspire entrepreneurs today.

Breaking the Stereotype of Business Rivalry

In a sector where rivals often view each other through the lens of competition, the interaction between Narayana Murthy and Ratan Tata stood out as a lesson in mutual respect and humility. While Infosys and TCS were direct competitors in the IT services industry, Murthy’s invitation illustrated that business doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. His gesture conveyed a powerful message:

Competitors can also be collaborators in the larger goal of creating value, fostering innovation, and contributing to national progress.

This moment also highlighted the ethical standards that both Tata and Murthy epitomized in their careers—leading their organizations not only with business acumen but also with values of respect, trust, and fairness.