For Assam, Late Ratan Tata was not just an industrialist or philanthropist, he was the State's son. His rich contributions to ensure Assam's ascent as a growth centre is unparalleled in history.
I pen my tribute for Assam Baibhav Ratan Tata. https://t.co/f0UCRr4xcN pic.twitter.com/l6yFd8jehQ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 15, 2024
Shantanu Naidu, a key aide to Ratan Tata, once spent half his salary on a Brooks Brothers shirt just to impress the legendary industrialist. It wasn’t just any shirt—it was the same brand Tata favored. In his memoir, Naidu candidly shared how he spotted the logo during their early meetings, squinting to make out the brand.
Indian industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who has died aged 86, is often hailed as the “people’s industrialist”.@ThankomArun of @Essex_EBS explores his legacy in the @ConversationUK.https://t.co/Uewfw7SRUl pic.twitter.com/uDsWfsoFDn
— University of Essex (@Uni_of_Essex) October 14, 2024
Naidu’s efforts to impress his mentor by wearing the shirt weren’t about materialism but admiration. Their relationship had deeper roots, built around shared values and a mutual love for animals.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran's heartfelt note for Ratan Tata on LinkedIn:
"Anybody who met Mr. Tata came away with a story about his humanity, warmth, and dreams for India. There really was no one like him.
Our relationship grew over the years, first focusing on… pic.twitter.com/tnJFzBRiJf— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) October 14, 2024
It all began with a simple letter Naidu wrote to Tata, which sparked a friendship that would grow over the years. Despite the growing demand for his innovation, Naidu struggled with funding and, encouraged by his father, wrote to Ratan Tata, a known animal lover.
A friendship with deep roots
Two months later, Tata invited Naidu to his Mumbai office, sparking a friendship rooted in shared values.
'…Where will dogs go?' was Ratan Tata's worry when Tata Group HQ was getting renovated – N Chandrasekaran's posthttps://t.co/zBszUhp4J7
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) October 14, 2024
The bond between the two deepened, with Tata backing Naidu’s efforts in various social initiatives, including Motopaws and, later, the companionship service for seniors, Goodfellows. During Naidu’s time at Cornell, the shirt reappeared in their story.
After Naidu ripped his pricey Brooks Brothers shirt, Tata surprised him by buying the same one again, refusing to let Naidu pay. “Can’t I give my friend a shirt?” Tata said, cutting off any argument. The gesture reflected the generosity and warmth that defined their unique bond.
Through initiatives like Motopaws and Goodfellows, Naidu continues to honor Tata’s legacy by making meaningful contributions to society. As he navigates life without his “lighthouse,” the lessons learned from Ratan Tata will undoubtedly guide him, keeping their shared vision of compassion and innovation alive.
