NAVAJBAI TATA: Inspiring Eklavya's vision

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong women.” Some very intriguing words of Margeret Thatcher. Indeed a women who has a voice and who dares to raise that voice is a strong women. For a women to do that nowadays is much easier as compared to having a voice in the year 1925. Exactly when Navajbai Sett (paternal grandmother of Ratan Tata) became the first female director of Tata Sons.

When one gets in power, that’s the moment when the world asks what can you do now? Being a women this question must have been asked with more doubt to Navajbai Sett. The question was forgotten but the answer remained encompassed in a golden frame. Navajbai Sett had the usual typical heart of women which was filled with kindness, compassion and most importantly foresight. She thought about the societal issue which was seen by many but was insignificant to all. Navajbai in honor of Ratanji, founded an institution in 1926 to aid disadvantaged Parsi women. With the goal of providing a way for these women to support themselves through meaningful work, the institute eventually grew into the renowned Ratan Tata Institute (RTI), known for its delicious pastries in Bombay.

“Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.” Said by Ai Weiwei. Something of this sort was true with Navajbai, she was a very keen collector and appreciator of arts from all over the globe along with her beloved husband Ratanji. They collected many precious and rare artefacts, jade, paintings, and other objects. The art collection was intended to adorn sir Ratan ji’s grand new home in Bombay, inspired by the summer palace of Versailles. Tragically, Ratan ji passed away before the house was completed. Navajbai, widowed at just 41, then ensured his collection found a new home, donating it to the Prince of Wales Museum in Bombay. Navajbai Tata, an ever philanthropist, extended her generosity beyond the art collection. Throughout her life, she gifted several residences that she received from Ratanji to worthy charitable causes.

Eklavya is really honoured and proud to say that Lady Navajbai Sett’s legacy of generosity and compassion echoes with Eklavya's mission to make a meaningful impact on both people and the planet. Lady Navajbai's passion for collecting rare artefacts and her dedication to preserving and sharing cultural heritage exemplify a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life and art. Likewise, Eklavya's emphasis on ethical production practices and the encouragement and support extended towards women and village empowerment through the production of traditional cultural souvenirs reflect a reverence for environmental and cultural sustainability. Navajbai Sett's pioneering spirit and dedication to societal welfare serve as a timeless example of female empowerment and philanthropy. She paved the way being the first and only of her kind and Eklavya with all its on-ground women team is following that path one step at a time!