Ratan Tata '59: The Cornell Story

This documentary features Cornell College of Architecture graduate Ratan Tata '59, BArch '62, chairman of Tata Sons, India's premier conglomerate.

Created in honor of Tata's 50th Reunion in June 2009, this memory piece tells the story of Tata's years on the hill from 1955-1962 using vintage photos along with interviews of 22 other Cornellians, mostly fraternity brothers and architecture classmates.

The video concentrates on the influence Cornell had on Tata while he was a student. He describes his early days on campus and why he selected Cornell and architecture. He and the others interviewed recall experiences from his undergraduate years in the fraternity, downtown apartment living, handling the Ithaca weather, the challenges of being a foreign student, flying in the single-engine Tri-Pacer, as well as the care he took of his black Mercedes. There is also a section with interviews of fellow Cornell Trustees and the Cornell President which explores the tremendous influence Ratan Tata has on present-day Cornell.

Produced by Phil ('62, B.Arch. '64) and Maddy ('65) Handler, Fly on the Wall Productions.