AGARTALA, July 9 (TIWN): Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata says 'Tripura has great potential but did not get the recognition it deserves'. On a day's visit to Agartala, he promised that the Tata group will come forward with investments and industries to support the development of the state. “We have been greatly impressed by what one can do in a state like Tripura. It’s a very refreshing from what you seen in the overcrowded parts of the country. I have assured the Chief Minister that I will go back to Mumbai with a view to see how we can help with whatever little experience I may have to bring in terms of ideas or how we can go for industries in Tripura that could utilize important natural resources,” Ratan Tata said. He though did not specify how much investment declares the amount to be invested by assured that the Tata group wills investment in Tripura with focus at value addition to various available resources within the state for a holistic development of the state and its people. “Everybody’s view will be to take those natural resources and process them outside in which industry will add value and receive benefit of that value in other places but our view will be to see what we can bring to Tripura. To transform the gas and other natural resources in this state, add value, gain reputation, brand and serve other states of India or rest of the world. And that is a promise I made to the Chef Minister and I will come back,” said Ratan Tata.He assured that his company will not be exploitative, and stand as partner to see prosperity of the state as well as the nation. As a step towards Tata’s promise in playing a major role in development of Tripura, the Tata Trusts and government of Tripura Thursday signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be strategic partners in expediting socio-economic development initiative in the state.

The joint initiative intends to implement interventions in the field of dairy development, fisheries, skill development, education, nutrition and health, for improvement in the quality of life of the people of the state.

The MoU was signed by Tripura Principal Secretary K Rajeshwar Rao and Executive Trustee of Tata Trusts R Venkataramanan in presence of Ratan Tata, Manik Sarkar and other officials from both sides.

 Later a joint press conference was addressed by Manik Sarkar and Ratan Tata.

“Today is a very eventful day for us because a memorandum of understanding was between the government of Tripura and Tata Trusts. The MoU has been signed between our departments like fishery, agriculture, education and industries with view to undertake some philanthropic activities so that the quality of the life of the people can be upgraded,” said Tripura CM Sarkar. 

 He thanked the Tata Trusts and its chief for taking up this activity in the remote northeastern state.

 Meantime, the Tata chief said that in today’s world the definition of philanthropy has changed and does not men only charity as along with the recipient that donor is also benefited out of their activity. 

The Tata Trusts Chairman said: “We have embarked a partnership with a view to convey in our minds philanthropy which today is no longer providing charity. It is being a partner with recipient to raise the quality of life, to create prosperity not by being exploitative, not by taking natural resource or assets from here and developing from outside but creating livelihood for people we are working with a view to make a difference and to increase the dignity and self-respect of the community with whom we work. It is with this we have started the ventures that the Chief Minister has mentioned.”

He promised that very soon he will be coming back to the state with investment and industrial sector for development of the state by utilizing the resources and creating employment for the youths of the state.

Power surplus Tripura, its superb relation with Bangladesh and getting multi-modal transport access (both surface and sea)is gradually turning the state into India's gateway to Southeast Asia and playing a major role with its neighborhood.