It was heartbreaking to hear that Inder Walia is no longer with us. This industry veteran and alumnus of TISS Mumbai, held senior leadership roles at Arcelor Mittal, Bharti Enterprises, and Mittal Steel, and went on to be advisor on boards such as Ummeed House Finance.
Emmanuel David, one of the many whom Inder Walia inspired and touched with his warmth during his over three decade-long career, warmly remembers Inder:
I first met him in 1994 when he interviewed me for a role at Shriram Honda. Inder was the group HR head for Honda Siel Cars India as it was called back then. I’m not even sure we used fancy titles such as group CHRO at the time. What caught me off guard was how he welcomed me to a round table in his glass-walled office for our chat. For me, this was a first. Back in the 1980s, my experience with senior folk was all about big rooms, huge tables, and the boss in a fancy revolving chair while I sat on a hard, fixed one. Inder’s office felt different—open and warm, while his smile made you feel instantly at ease.
Our talks went well, and by January 1995, I got an offer. The appointment letter, signed by the Chairman of Shriram Honda, came by post from Inder’s office. What made it special was a small Post-it note stuck to it—just eleven words, but they carried so much joy, warmth, and a sense of belonging. I’ve kept that note safe all these years, a little reminder of the bond we formed.
Inder made sure I had a proper induction and orientation to hit the ground running. We had many great conversations, especially about tackling the tricky employee relations challenges at the time. I could always count on his honest, straightforward advice. As the first corporate HR manager for Shriram Honda, I had to carve out my role among peers, colleagues and the union. Employee relations meant frequent trips to our factory in Uttarakhand. Inder was my go-to person for guidance. He’d make time to listen and counsel, even inviting me to his home. Back in 1995-96, there was no Zomato or Swiggy, but Inder made sure I wasn’t hungry before catching a train, serving hot parathas, butter chicken, and kebabs with warmth and care.
One memory stands out from Diwali time. The day before the festival, my doorbell rang, and there was Inder, holding two copper bowls filled with dry fruits for my family. Those dry fruits didn’t last long, but the copper bowls are still in our kitchen, a quiet reminder of him. As a senior leader, he was one of the first to visit a junior colleague’s home to share festive greetings—a gesture that touched me deeply with its inclusion and affection
Inder had a way of moving effortlessly from the profound to the simple, showing what true leadership looks like.
His small acts—penning a note, sharing a meal, or bringing Diwali gifts—carry powerful qualities:
• Humility: Welcoming everyone as equals
• Affection: Building bonds through heartfelt gestures
• Respect: Valuing colleagues at every level
• Authenticity: Leading with genuine care
This Diwali, I think of Inder and how the lamps we light continue to shine long after we’re gone. His little acts of kindness still glow brightly in my heart.
The author, Emmanuel David, is member, Board of Directors, Aster DM Healthcare
3 Comments
Real influence comes not just from position, but from presence. And in his example, the diya he lit continues to shed light long after.
As a tribute to the departed Inderjit Walia, I wish to briefly mention his contribution in implementing Superannuation scheme in Shriram Honda which is benefitting all employees. I also participated a seminar where Mr.Walia delivered a lecture on key HR related issues.
I did not have the fortune to meet him while I was in Shriram Honda.This tribute and memoir is a reflection and a lesson to everyone who is in search of excellence in his professional life.
Well and warmly written Emmy!
You are a worthy successor…