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On April 1, 1901, Jamsetji Tata applied for Prospecting Licenses for exploring, trial mining and smelting iron ores and other cognate metals at Lohara and Peepalgaon in the Chanda District.

In a letter addressed to H. A. Krump, Secretary, Revenue Department, Jamsetji wrote: “I take it that the Government will let me have the best coal available on payment, but would like to be assured that Government will provide through their Forest Department on payment all the coal I may require for converting it into charcoal, the Forest Department undertaking to plant afresh all such trees as may be cut down for the purpose. Or, if the Government desire it, I am willing to undertake the cutting down and replanting on Government allotting to me certain areas of forests.”

“J. R. D. Tata Home Workshop Inc.” is on display at the Exhibition Gallery of the Tata Central Archives in Pune.

Sumant Moolgaokar, former Chairman of The Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Limited (now Tata Motors) had a similar Workshop at his residence at Mumbai. The Workshop had all the tools of the trade neatly arranged.

Moolgaokar’s command over engineering was not merely limited to guiding Telco to greater and greater heights, but it permeated his private life as well.

He spent many a happy hour at his well equipped work-bench crafting items, modifying everyday objects, rendering them easier to use, repairing tools, machines, etc.

In 1955 in the Auto Division of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) frenetic activity commenced to lay the foundation of the 3000-tonne “Schloeman Press” to manufacture frames for the chassis.The workmen unable to master the German pronunciation, affectionately called it the “Sulaiman Press”.

The biggest in India at the time, the press and dies cost TELCO a princely sum.
Recounting their contribution to its installation they had this interesting tale to narrate.

It was said that the German engineers found it very difficult to lower the gigantic press on its foundations. While a solution to this problem kept evading the “German grey cells”, one of our “Desiwallahs” provided the solution.

He suggested filling the foundation with ice slabs and then placing the press on it. As the ice melted, the press was gently lowered on its moorings.

After the premature death of Sir Ratan in 1918, Lady Navajbai Tata was appointed a Director on the Board of Tata Sons a position she held right up to her death on August 20, 1965.

She is the first and only woman who has been a Director on the Board of Tata Sons.

Sir Ratan Tata was a Member of the Ham and Petersham Rifle and Pistol Club, UK in 1906.

The 1917 Annual Report thanked Sir Ratan Tata for his interest in the Club and for presenting £25 for special purposes.

Sir Ratan died in 1918, aged 47, but Lady Ratan Tata continued to be associated with the Club and paid for the Prizes each year until 1922.

From 1936, the Ratan Tata Trophy became a Pistol Competition being shot over 6 NRA targets, 6 shots each at 20 yards.

Electric cars enjoyed popularity between the mid-19th century and early 20th century, when electricity was among the preferred methods for automobile propulsion, providing a level of comfort and ease of operation.

Advances in technology which reduced prices of gasoline cars to less than half that of equivalent electric cars, led to a decline, effectively removing it from important markets.

However, in recent years, increased concerns of the environment has brought about renewed interest in electric cars, which are perceived to be more environmentally friendly.

In December 1982, Naval Tata received a letter from P. G. Thakar enclosing photographs of an electric car owned by Sir Dorabji Tata.

The car worked on electric power derived from accumulator batteries and worked on 110 volts. The peculiarity of this car was that it had no steering wheel. It had two horizontal rods, one near the driver’s seat and the other near the back. The car could either be operated from the front or from the back using these horizontal rods.

It had no gears or clutch but one regulator with variable speeds. It had 30-40 mph speed and could run 40 miles on one charge. After that the batteries had to be recharged. The Tata Hydro Companies had a fleet of such vehicles for heavy transport.

In his reply Naval Tata said: “I remember Sir Dorabji Tata driving the car by Miller. I also Lady Meherbai Tata driving the car sitting from the back seat by using the two horizontal rods.”


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	Exhibitions JRD Tata's Office Support Us Visit Us Research Newsletters Booklets Documents Images Ephemera Memorabilia Four Partners Family Tree Biographies	REPLANTING TREES TO BENEFIT FUTURE GENERATIONS On April 1, 1901, Jamsetji Tata applied for Prospecting Licenses for exploring, trial mining and smelting iron ores and other cognate metals at Lohara and Peepalgaon in the Chanda District. In a letter addressed to H. A. Krump, Secretary, Revenue Department, Jamsetji wrote: “I take it that the Government will let me have the best coal available on payment, but would like to be assured that Government will provide through their Forest Department on payment all the coal I may require for converting it into charcoal, the Forest Department undertaking to plant afresh all such trees as may be cut down for the purpose. Or, if the Government desire it, I am willing to undertake the cutting down and replanting on Government allotting to me certain areas of forests.” WORKSHOP AT SUMANT MOOLGAOKAR'S RESIDENCE “J. R. D. Tata Home Workshop Inc.” is on display at the Exhibition Gallery of the Tata Central Archives in Pune. Sumant Moolgaokar, former Chairman of The Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Limited (now Tata Motors) had a similar Workshop at his residence at Mumbai. The Workshop had all the tools of the trade neatly arranged. Moolgaokar’s command over engineering was not merely limited to guiding Telco to greater and greater heights, but it permeated his private life as well. He spent many a happy hour at his well equipped work-bench crafting items, modifying everyday objects, rendering them easier to use, repairing tools, machines, etc. SOLVING PROBLEMS, FINDING SOLUTIONS In 1955 in the Auto Division of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) frenetic activity commenced to lay the foundation of the 3000-tonne “Schloeman Press” to manufacture frames for the chassis.The workmen unable to master the German pronunciation, affectionately called it the “Sulaiman Press”. The biggest in India at the time, the press and dies cost TELCO a princely sum. Recounting their contribution to its installation they had this interesting tale to narrate. It was said that the German engineers found it very difficult to lower the gigantic press on its foundations. While a solution to this problem kept evading the “German grey cells”, one of our “Desiwallahs” provided the solution. He suggested filling the foundation with ice slabs and then placing the press on it. As the ice melted, the press was gently lowered on its moorings. LADY NAVAJBAI TATA After the premature death of Sir Ratan in 1918, Lady Navajbai Tata was appointed a Director on the Board of Tata Sons a position she held right up to her death on August 20, 1965. She is the first and only woman who has been a Director on the Board of Tata Sons. SIR RATAN TATA TROPHY Sir Ratan Tata was a Member of the Ham and Petersham Rifle and Pistol Club, UK in 1906. He was appointed Vice-President of Club in 1911. The 1917 Annual Report thanked Sir Ratan Tata for his interest in the Club and for presenting £25 for special purposes. A Challenge trophy clock had also been purchased. Sir Ratan died in 1918, aged 47, but Lady Ratan Tata continued to be associated with the Club and paid for the Prizes each year until 1922. From 1936, the Ratan Tata Trophy became a Pistol Competition being shot over 6 NRA targets, 6 shots each at 20 yards. ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY Electric cars enjoyed popularity between the mid-19th century and early 20th century, when electricity was among the preferred methods for automobile propulsion, providing a level of comfort and ease of operation. Advances in technology which reduced prices of gasoline cars to less than half that of equivalent electric cars, led to a decline, effectively removing it from important markets. However, in recent years, increased concerns of the environment has brought about renewed interest in electric cars, which are perceived to be more environmentally friendly. In December 1982, Naval Tata received a letter from P. G. Thakar enclosing photographs of an electric car owned by Sir Dorabji Tata. The car worked on electric power derived from accumulator batteries and worked on 110 volts. The peculiarity of this car was that it had no steering wheel. It had two horizontal rods, one near the driver’s seat and the other near the back. The car could either be operated from the front or from the back using these horizontal rods. It had no gears or clutch but one regulator with variable speeds. It had 30-40 mph speed and could run 40 miles on one charge. After that the batteries had to be recharged. The Tata Hydro Companies had a fleet of such vehicles for heavy transport. In his reply Naval Tata said: “I remember Sir Dorabji Tata driving the car by Miller. I also Lady Meherbai Tata driving the car sitting from the back seat by using the two horizontal rods.”