The Real Story Behind Tata Sumo's Name
Did you know that Tata Group’s first multi-utility vehicle, the Tata Sumo, has nothing to do with Japanese heavyweight wrestlers? Instead, it was named in honor of Sumant Moolgaokar, the Managing Director of Tata Motors, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 1990. Sumant Moolgaokar: A Visionary Leader Sumant Moolgaokar, often referred to as the architect of modern Tata Motors, held several key positions within the Tata Group. He was the CEO of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), Vice-Chairman of Tata Steel, and also served as non-executive chairman of Maruti Suzuki. There's a fascinating story about Moolgaokar's leadership style. Unlike his colleagues who would lunch together, Moolgaokar would often disappear during breaks. It was later discovered that he spent his lunch hours at a Highway Dhaba (a roadside restaurant), engaging with truck drivers to gain firsthand feedback on Tata vehicles. This direct interaction with en