The Epitome of Being Human - A Tribute to Shri Ratan Tata...

At a time when everything is driven more often than not by success, power, and ambition, there are very few people who have achieved all this with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility toward humanity.

There is Shri Ratan Tata name that rings out far beyond business circles- with an exceptional person whose life is what it means to go from just being human to becoming human.

It is not just the iconic business acumen that flows through the mind when we hear Ratan Tata or the mighty leaps the Tata Group took under his watch. It is his unstinted kindness, his empathy for others, and the silent service he performed for society and remained unheard without seeking applause. His journey teaches us that success is not just about the heaps of wealth or the ability to command power but about the lives we touch enroute

A Legacy of Humility and Kindness

One of the most striking qualities Shri Ratan Tata embodies is humility. Despite leading one of the largest conglomerates in the world, he has always maintained a down-to-earth demeanor. He never let his achievements overshadow his innate humanity. He reminds us that no matter how high we rise in life, our feet should remain firmly on the ground.

He says that one who measures how a person treats those who can do nothing for him is the true test of man. Shri Ratan Tata did it best through enormous charity acts, many of which were done quietly and without fanfare. He always remained focused on bettering the lives of all, especially those less fortunate.

Compassion in Leadership

The style of leadership of Ratan Tata was compassion. He thought business was not responsible only to the shareholders but also to the community it serves. In his tenure, the Tata Group made pivotal contributions toward education, health, and rural development. He showed that one could run a business very successfully without compromising one's humanity.

We can learn much from the examples of Shri Ratan Tata as we all embark on our own personal and professional journeys. Integrity, compassion, and empathy are not just ideals. These are practical and everyday principles that may teach us to become better individuals. In a world that may measure success by material wealth, Ratan Tata reminds us of what truly matters most: the impact we have with others.

The Human Factor

Here are some unheard instances that display the Humane side of Shri Ratan Tata

Declined to Accept Lifetime Achievement.

In 2018, King Charles III (then Prince Charles) honored Ratan Tata with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding philanthropic work. But he refused. Why? One of his dogs had fallen seriously ill, and he didn't go to take care of him.

Visited an Unwell ex-Employee.

Once he came to know that one of his ex-employees has been unwell for the last two years. At 84, Ratan Tata quietly traveled from Mumbai to Pune to visit a former unwell employee, with no media or publicity involved.

We may not be able to wield the influence of a Ratan Tata, but we certainly can absorb into our lives the qualities that he embodies. Kindness, humility, and a sense of responsibility toward others are qualities that cut across position and power. In small ways, each of us can strive to create an impact on the lives of those around us.

The 26/11 Story

He visited the families affected by the 26/11 attacks. Who didn't remember 26/11? Everyone expressed their sadness and felt bad for the country. But this man... is a true gem. He visited 80 employees' families affected by the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Other than that, Tata Group covered their children's education and set up a psychiatric cell with TISS to provide counseling for their recovery.

The Humbleness

Despite his success, Shri Ratan Tata remained humble always. He often sits beside his driver and even enjoys driving himself when he can.

The Lay Offs

When every company was laying off their staff. Mr. Tata came forward and urged companies not to lay off employees during the pandemic. He even committed funds worth 500 CRORE to protect people and humanity.

The Bharat Ratna

Requested people to stop demanding Bharat Ratna for him. The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award. People love him so much, that they often used to request the government through their posts to give Bharat Ratna to Mr. Tata. But, he requested to stop. He also added that he is fortunate to be an Indian, which adds to its prosperity and growth.

The Journey from Human Being to Being Human

The life of Shri Ratan Tata reminds us that the path to becoming less than human is the path to learning, growth, and service all the way. His story was a corporate success, but a lesson in making the world a better place by using influence and power to inspire everyone. He has inspired generations to tread his path as business leaders but as compassionate human beings.

As we reflect on his legacy let us draw a moment to consider and imbibe the qualities that we can derive from Shri Ratan Tata. That we may, too, in our way, pass from being human to becoming human by living with integrity, showing kindness, and making a difference to others.

That, after all, is the greatest tribute we can pay for a man who gave so much-not for recognition, but because he loved humanity.

With Gratitude Vishwanathan Ramchandran (V! Ram)