Gandhinagar, 26 November 2014

Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL), India’s top chemicals enterprise and a leading producer of fertilisers, food products and food additives, today announced the launch of the book, Salt of the Earth: The Story of Tata Chemicals, a chronicle of the company and the people who shaped it over the 75 years of its existence. The book was unveiled by Anandiben Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at the Mahatma Gandhi Mandir here in the presence of Cyrus Mistry, the Chairman of Tata Chemicals, R Mukundan, the company’s managing director, and the authors of the book, and Christabelle Noronha. Also present on the occasion were senior minsters including Babubhai Bokhariya, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Established in 1939 in Mithapur, Gujarat, TCL has grown from strength to strength, rising to become a global leader in soda ash production with a presence in four continents. The company has also established itself as a major player in fertilisers, in branded food products and in food additives. The launching of the book in Gujarat reaffirms the company’s commitment to the state of its birth and to the communities whose support has been crucial to its success.

Appreciating the long-standing relationship of the Tata Group with Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister, Gujarat, said, “The Tata Group has made great contributions in the progress of the country, as well as the welfare and health care of people through its various products and services. It is a matter of great pride for Gujarat to be a milestone in the success story of Tata Chemicals. I congratulate the Company on the success of their global journey that began 75 years ago, from Mithapur, a small village of Gujarat.”

Mr Mistry, the Chairman of Tata Chemicals, said, “Over the past seven decades, the ‘Spartan child’ of the Tata Group had faced several challenges and multiple obstacles. These hurdles have strengthened Tata Chemicals, which stands proud as a pioneer in a basic industry, providing solutions to tomorrow’s problems and benefitting millions. The company has evolved to establish its position in a range of business segments, from soda ash, fertilisers and speciality chemicals to salt, pulses and water purifiers. The Tata Chemicals of today is much more than a ‘chemicals’ company. I am pleased and privileged to be present at the unveiling of Salt of the Earth, and especially so because it is being held in Gujarat, which has always extended its full support to Tata Chemicals. We remain forever grateful for this support.”

R Mukundan, the Managing Director of Tata Chemicals, remarked: “Today marks a historical milestone in the story of Tata Chemicals. The company is a leader by nature and has evolved from a commodities enterprise that dealt mainly in inorganic chemicals to providing solutions to end-customers. Salt of the Earth brings alive this journey to readers, and enlightens them about the numerous trials, tribulations, hopes and triumphs that the company has endured and experienced over the last 75 years. Most importantly, the book narrates how we reached where we are today. Our journey so far has been extraordinary and incredibly exciting. I would like to extend my appreciation of and gratitude to the authors for beautifully capturing our history in the book. Over the years, both Tata Chemicals and Gujarat have grown together, dealt with multiple challenges, and explored newer ways to benefit the wider community and society. Our commitment to the state goes beyond just industrial activity, and we aim to nurture the needs of the communities and progress together for a better Gujarat and a better India.”

Commenting on the book, co-author Christabelle Noronha said, “Being at this event today gives us a sense of pride about the work we have done. The past two years have been a whirlwind of long hours of research and plenty of hard work. We have discovered and learned a lot about this exceptional company and have been overawed at times by the challenges it has overcome and its many accomplishments. We are grateful to Tata Chemicals for this experience, and honoured that the book has been unveiled by the chief minister, Anandiben Patel, in the presence of Mr Mistry and Mr Mukundan.”