Why Did Chandrasekaran Miss the TCS AGM Amid the Air India Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- N. Chandrasekaran missed the TCS AGM due to a tragic event.
- The Air India crash claimed at least 270 lives.
- Keki Mistry expressed solidarity with the affected families.
- The Tata Group's leadership is under scrutiny during this difficult time.
- A minute's silence was observed for the victims.
Bengaluru, June 19 (NationPress) Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran was notably absent from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) held on Thursday.
This absence marks his second consecutive missed meeting of the shareholders of the Tata Group, following his absence from the AGM of Tata Consumer Products the previous day.
TCS's Company Secretary Yashaswin Sheth notified shareholders that Chandrasekaran could not be present due to “some exigencies”.
While an official explanation was not disclosed, reports indicate that his absence is connected to the tragic incident involving an Air India flight, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, which tragically crashed while en route from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick last week.
This incident led to the loss of at least 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew.
Chandrasekaran, who took on the role of Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017 after an eight-year tenure as CEO of TCS, has been vigilantly overseeing developments following the crash.
During his absence, the board appointed Independent Director Keki Mistry to preside over the AGM, as Sheth conveyed.
In his remarks, Mistry acknowledged the challenging time for the Tata Group.
He expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “This is a very difficult time for us at the Tata Group. We are all deeply saddened. This is an unimaginable tragedy that has resulted in so many losses of life. Words can be of no consolation right now.”
Mistry further affirmed that the Tata Group stands united with the families impacted during this heart-wrenching period.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the people who have lost their lives. The Tata Group stands in solidarity with those affected during these challenging times,” he remarked.
Prior to the meeting commencing, the TCS board observed a minute’s silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Air India crash.