Dear TCSers,
I write this on the eve of my retirement as CEO and MD of this wonderful institution we call TCS. I cannot help but look back with a tremendous sense of fulfillment and pride, upon the long, eventful and exciting journey of the past 37 years. In spite of the belief in ourselves, we could never have imagined that the TCS of the 1970's that struggled to create credibility for itself in the market, would experience such exponential growth and achieve global leadership to be amongst the top 10 IT services companies of the world. This same belief tells me that the best is yet to come.
The hard work and sheer brilliance of all of you TCSers, has powered this success and it humbles me to think of the collective intellectual capital that we have built over the years. In the days when we were only setting up the business, the only thing we had going for us was our 'can do' attitude, we worked hard at earning the trust of our customers and delivering more than was expected. This has been the hallmark of the TCS way of doing things. This is the DNA that has passed on and I am happy to see it alive even today. I truly believe that this customer centric way of thinking is what will keep us fired up, keep us innovating and keep us ahead of the pack. It has been the beacon that guided us for the last 40 years and so it will, for the next forty and beyond.
Another value that has been fostered within TCS, is its non- hierarchical and open culture, where people and ideas have complete freedom to interact. This is a vital prerequisite for the collaboration and innovation that we seek, now and for the future. A work environment that helps bring out the best in people and promotes their professional growth, is something that must be nurtured. My advice to young TCSers is that there is a great deal of merit in rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Learning and leading by doing, builds the capacity to shoulder responsibility and helps to build up a huge vocabulary, upon which you can draw as you grow in your career.
TCS’ story is one that includes not only tremendous growth and expansion, but also growth with profitability, and aggressive global targets with a fundamental respect for our ethical governance model. The technological strength we enjoy today has been achieved because we have fiercely worked towards innovating, collaborating and creating a knowledge base. A leadership lesson I learnt and have applied to those around me, is that when you empower, enable and energize those around you, you enrich their lives and help them achieve their potential. A manifestation of this philosophy is visible in the promising next generation of leaders at TCS who are confidently charting the course ahead. Led ably by Chandra, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to see TCS in good and safe hands.
Another greatly energizing aspect of my tenure has been the way our business objectives were always finely tempered with a societal agenda – one that moved away from tokenism, and writing out contribution cheques alone, to one that involved the minds and souls of our TCSers. The TCS Maitree movement serves as a great vehicle in this regard, and a reminder of our Group’s fundamental belief that profits are meaningful when accompanied by the well-being of the communities in which we operate, and the development of society at large. This is the glue that binds us all and I hope that this feeling of pride in TCS may always fuel your efforts and may the responsibility that accompanies it, humble you always.
I must confess that I feel the same sense of excitement today about technology as when I joined this organization; IT will continue to change the world and all of you and TCS will be playing a part. So while I will step away from my executive role soon, and a chapter will end in my life’s journey, another chapter will open up. I would continue to remain associated with TCS as its Vice-Chairman, and as a non-executive Member of the Board. And equally importantly for me, serve as a brand ambassador for this great company and as a mentor and coach to the next generation of leadership at TCS.
As we go about our jobs, our families make big sacrifices; without them we would not be able to give our best to our professions. As I acknowledge the wonderful support of my own family, I do hope that you too will find ways to show your appreciation to your loved ones.
May God bless you and TCS,
With my warmest wishes,
S Ramadorai
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