Hello friend, I’m Dr. Apurv Mehra, and today I want to tell you a story that wonderfully explains one of life’s greatest truths: “What you give comes back”.
This is not merely a story of businesses or nations—it’s a lesson in humanity, in values, and in doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking, because that is the true humanity.
A Company in Ruins
Let us go back to 1838, when the company CrossMaffei was established in Germany. It soon became a symbol of world-class engineering. It had earned an unbelievable reputation, backed by superior technology and skilled manpower in the 1940s.
Then came World War II
CrossMaffei, the Munich headquarters, experienced 74 aerial attacks during the war. The factory, once buzzing with innovation, was reduced to rubble. It was an era of devastation, loss, and despair.
An Unexpected Meeting in 1946
But something amazing happened in 1946. A train from India carrying the directors of Tata, then known as Telco, pulled into Munich station. They were in Germany to discuss locomotive development for the Indian Railways.
But what they encountered wasn’t an engineering giant—it was devastation.
CrossMaffei directors, with a gem of a co-director, Suman Malgaonkar, met the Tata team. And instead of business plans, they made a humble request:
“Take our young engineers. They are capable, they have no work, and they will assist you in creating something beautiful.” Tata accepted.
How Germany Helped Build India?
Only a year before, in 1945, Tata had been awarded a contract by the Indian Railways to produce locomotive engines. The timing could not have been better. These young German engineers, uprooted by war, were now a part of something new and ambitious, giving shape to India’s industrial base.
In 1950, Tata trucks were rolling out, driven by an astounding Indo-German partnership.
The Gesture That Shook Germany
In the 1950s, Tata did something remarkable. They penned a letter to CrossMaffei, one of thanksgiving and the question: “What compensation do we owe you?”
CrossMaffei was shocked. Why would a company want to pay for merely aiding displaced engineers just to stay alive?
But Tata did what’s right. They did not perceive it as charity. They saw it as value, as integrity, as doing what is ethical.
Karma Comes Full Circle
The story doesn’t end yet.
In the 1970s, Tata required German financial support for expansion. A loan was available, but the Indian government was unable to offer a bank guarantee because of its policies.
So, what did the Germans respond? “If the chairman of Tata signs a letter, that’s more trustworthy than any bank guarantee.” That’s the strength of trust built through values.
The Lesson
Arun Maira, one of Tata’s most respected directors, wrote about this story in the Economic Times in 2005. It was a testament to integrity, empathy, and vision.
So, what do we learn from this?
- Help when it is not expected.
- Do good without thinking of returns.
- Offer it because it’s the right thing to do.
- Build with values, not just with money.
Because, dear friend, whatever you plant, you shall reap. And although you may have ruins around you, there is a time when ruins will start blooming too.
Conclusion:
This story is imprinted in my mind—not only because it is a story about Tata, or CrossMaffei, or about India and Germany. It remains so because it keeps me thinking about the reality that in the transactional world, being value-oriented will never go out of fashion.
Do good. Be humble. Walk tall—even when all is lost. For what you give, does return.
Thank you for reading.
Best regards,
Dr. Apurv Mehra
