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Balanced

Why the Tata inheritance reminds us of Gandhi’s view of wealth—best held in trust for people at large

The article discusses Mahatma Gandhi's concept of "trusteeship," where business owners hold wealth as custodians for society's welfare. It uses the Tata Group's ownership structure, with philanthropic trusts holding a majority stake, as a rare example of this model in action. The current Tata crisis highlights the challenge of preserving social purpose across generations amidst disagreements. The author emphasizes the importance of balancing sound business governance with philanthropic missions and considering the broader community's trust. Gandhi's economics, rooted in human dignity and restraint, offers a guide for ethical corporate decision-making, even as safeguarding trusteeship remains complex.

LiveMint · Ajit Ranade · Oct 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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