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The Tata Group is a prominent private business conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, which includes the well-known TISCO company. At one point, Tata Steel faced severe financial difficulties, nearly leading to its collapse. However, a remarkable woman played a crucial role in rescuing the company from its economic struggles. Let's explore who this woman was and how she managed to turn around Tata Steel's fortunes.

The Impact of Lady Meherbai Tata

This inspiring story revolves around Lady Meherbai Tata, a figure who significantly contributed to the recognition of Tata Steel today. Many may not be aware of her, but she is celebrated as one of the first feminist icons in India. Lady Meherbai was known for her advocacy against child marriage, her support for women's suffrage, and her efforts to promote girls' education while opposing the practice of purdah. Her contributions to saving Tata Steel are also noteworthy.

In his latest book, 'Tata Stories', Harish Bhatt recounts how Lady Meherbai Tata played a pivotal role in saving the steel giant. Sir Dorabji Tata, the son of Jamsetji Tata, had purchased a 245.35-carat Jubilee diamond from London merchants for his wife, which was twice the size of the Koh-i-Noor. In the early 1900s, this diamond was valued at around £100,000. Lady Meherbai cherished this diamond, reserving it for special occasions. However, in 1924, circumstances compelled her to sell it.

A Selfless Act to Save Tata Steel

At that time, Tata Steel was facing a cash crisis, leaving the company unable to pay its employees. Lady Meherbai prioritized the welfare of the company's workers and decided to mortgage her Jubilee diamond along with her entire personal assets to raise funds for Tata Steel.

Eventually, the company began to recover and repay its debts. Bhatt highlights in his book that during this challenging period, not a single worker was laid off, a feat made possible by Lady Meherbai's intervention.

Lady Meherbai Tata's Advocacy and Achievements

According to the Tata Group, the Jubilee diamond was sold after Sir Dorabji Tata's death to establish the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Lady Meherbai was consulted for the Sharda Act, which aimed to abolish child marriage, passed in 1929. She actively campaigned for this cause both in India and abroad. She was also a member of the National Women's Council and the All India Women's Conference. On November 29, 1927, she advocated for the Hindu Marriage Bill in Michigan.

In 1930, she demanded equal political rights for women at the All India Women's Conference. Lady Meherbai served as the president of the Indian Women's League Association and was one of the founders of the Bombay Presidency Women's Council. Under her leadership, India was also represented in the International Women's Council.

A Trailblazer in Sports and Aviation

An avid tennis player, Lady Meherbai won over sixty awards in tennis tournaments. She was the first Indian woman to compete in Olympic tennis, and interestingly, she played all her matches wearing a Parsi sari. Additionally, she was a skilled pianist.

Lady Meherbai and her husband were often seen watching tennis matches at Wimbledon. Not only was she a talented tennis player, but she was also an excellent equestrian and became the first Indian woman to board a Zeppelin airship in 1912.