Malayali friend's phone call that brought Taj to Kerala

KANNUR: They had a rare bond of friendship and professionalism... Uma Nambiar described the bond between Ratan Tata and her husband, founder of Keltron and Technopark founder, KPP Nambiar.

Tata and Nambiar last met in Japan, and that too an accidental meet-up inside an elevator. Ratan waited no time to invite the Nambiar couple to his room and what waited was neatly placed packs of sweets. Uma reminisces on how Ratan curiously poked Nambiar to tell more about Kerala and the changes the state has undergone.

The camaraderie between Nambiar and Ratan bloomed during their time in TATA company. Nambiar was part of the Tata Company. Both of them would walk along the aisles of the office premises sharing jokes and engaging in glib talks. It was this bonhomie that brought Ratan Tata to Kerala. KPP Nambiar joined the Tata Group in 1967. He was the general manager of Tata's consumer electronics division. It was Nambiar’s crucial intervention and yeoman work that saved the company from going default and rising back like a phoenix bird.

In 1973, Nambiar became the Chairman and MD of Keltron. It was a time of stagnant industrial growth in Kerala and Nambiar wanted to shipshape the state. Many companies showed apprehension about doing business in Kerala, fearing the unfriendly climate and volatile politics. Breaking all odds, Taj Hotel and Resorts and Tata Ceramics showed their nerve and came to Kerala, only because of the special invitation from Nambiar.

Even when Technopark started, Nambiar relied on Tata consultancy services to prepare the design emulating the Technology Park in Singapore.