[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This archival correspondence file contains sixteen English-language letters exchanged between Tata Sons Limited and M. R. Masani of the Democratic Research Service (DRS), covering the period from 19 October 1978 to 1 November 1993. The letters document Tata Sons’ recurring financial contributions to the DRS, generally sent by cheque after Masani’s requests and the submission of audited accounts. The annual contribution was Rs. 10,000 in the letters for 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, and 1986–87; it rose to Rs. 20,000 for 1987–88 through 1990–91, and to Rs. 25,000 for 1991–92 through 1993–94.

Key points

• The file consists of separate Tata Sons Limited letters rather than a single authored text.
• The correspondence is addressed primarily to M. R. Masani at the Democratic Research Service in Bombay.
• Tata Sons repeatedly encloses annual contributions to the DRS and requests official receipts.
• Several letters refer to audited statements of accounts supplied by Masani or addressed to J. R. D. Tata.
• The documented annual contribution increases from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 and later Rs. 25,000.
• A 6 August 1981 letter records a separate Rs. 5,000 contribution from the Indian Committee for Cultural Freedom to the DRS, with a receipt requested for forwarding to the I.C.C.C.F.
• The letters are signed by Tata Sons personnel including H. C. Dhagat, P. D. Karkaria, H. D. Vakil, and R. D’Souza.