Remembering Ratan Tata: 5 incidents where he proved he had a heart of gold

Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata was not only the Chairperson of Tata Group but also a philanthropist and an uncommon leader who touched the lives of many. His immense contributions not only helped in shaping the Tata Group but also our country. An inspiration to many, Ratan Tata was known for his commitment to integrity, transformation, and excellence. Over the years, his extraordinary ideas and works proved that Ratan Tata had a heart of gold and they don't make men like him anymore. Remembering Ratan Tata and his extraordinary life and legacy, here we list some such incidents.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

In an old interview clip posted on social media, Suhel Seth spoke about the extraordinary man that Ratan Tata was. In the video, Suhel Seth shares an incident when Ratan Tata cancelled meeting UK's Prince Charles at the last moment and the reason would surprise you! Recalling the incident from 2018, Seth said that Ratan Tata was invited to the UK by Prince Charles to felicitate him for his philanthropy work-- an award under the auspice of the British Asia Trust. However, Ratan Tata cancelled the meeting just a few hours before the actual time as one of his pet dogs was sick. “Tango and Tito, his dogs, one of them had fallen terribly ill. I can't leave them and come," Seth recalled Ratan Tata's words in the video. Later, when Prince Charles came to know of Ratan Tata's reason for cancelling their meeting, the UK royal was in awe of Mr Tata. “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is. That’s why it’s on a stable course,” Seth shared Prince Charles' words back then.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata was truly a class apart from the rest. He was kind and empathetic to all, including stray dogs and the voiceless animals. A social media post by an HR professional praising Mr Tata for his extraordinary principles went viral earlier this year. In a LinkedIn post from June 2024, an HR professional Rubi Khan shared how she noticed a stray dog peacefully sleeping at the entrance of the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. Amused by the sight, when she asked the hotel staff about it she was told that the dog had been a part of the hotel since its birth. “There are strict instructions from Ratan Tata to treat these animals well if they enter the premises,” the staff informed Rubi. Touched by the incident, she praised the Taj Mahal Hotel for truly valuing “every being within its walls”. In praise of Mr Tata and his ideology seen at the Taj Mahal Hotel, she further wrote, “We often speak about inclusion, biases, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence. I witnessed all these principles in action here. It’s a fine balance of head and heart, being authentic, and not worrying about what others might think as they enter this esteemed property."

Not just this, stray dogs are welcomed at the Tata Group's headquarters in South Mumbai, named Bombay House, too! The strays can walk-in and out freely, have shelter and food, and occasional health check-ups too, a blog on Tata's official website states.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

In the gruesome 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 80 employees of the Taj Mahal Hotel and their families were deeply affected. And Mr Tata showed his compassion by personally visiting each of the 80 employees who were affected by the terrorist attacks. Not only this, Tata Group also supported these families and also financed the education of the children of those 80 employees.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

Mr Ratan Tata was known for his empathetic nature and utmost humility. So much so that he was often spotted sitting right next to his driver in the car, which reflected his values and beliefs of equality and treating everyone with respect. In fact, at times when his driver wasn't available, he would also drive himself (in earlier days).

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

During his lifetime, Ratan Tata's exemplary philanthropic works were a great example of his integrity, kindness and empathetic nature. He donated quite generously to the poor and needy during natural disasters. Mr Tata also helped in the construction of various schools and hospitals, including an animal hospital in Mumbai in 2024.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram