India Loses a Jewel, The World Feels the Loss!

"I'd like to be remembered as a person who made a difference. Not anything more, not anything less."

This was the answer Sir Ratan Tata gave in an interview, when asked how he would like to be remembered.

And what a difference he made... to the life of each and every Indian!

Today, all the social media platforms are flooded with posts paying him a tribute after yesterday's sad news of his passing at the age of 86.

Usually this kind of outpouring of emotion happens when the person comes either from the field of sport or entertainment. It is rare to see such widespread grief for someone from the business world.

Such was the legacy and impact of Ratan Tata. In fact, the only other time I saw the Internet paying such a tribute to a corporate figure was when Steve Jobs passed away.

Why Am I Writing a Piece?

I hesitated many times before writing this article. I felt that it might just be one more among the hundreds being posted, easily lost in the crowd.

But then I thought that it doesn't matter.

It is not about the article finding its space but it is about me finding the right space to honor a man who, knowingly and unknowingly, influenced over 1.4 billion Indians and beyond.

Diversified Business, Solidified Legacy

Many people are posting that they did not know Ratan Tata personally. That statement is not entirely true.

It is unlikely that any Indian has not interacted with at least one of Ratan Tata’s businesses or brands—be it flying on Air India, dining at the Taj, drinking Tetley tea, adding Tata Salt to their food, wearing a Titan watch, or sitting in an Indica!

At a time when companies and entrepreneurs struggle to survive and grow in a single industry, it was the business acumen of Tata that enabled the Tata Group conglomerate to expand into a powerhouse, encompassing diverse industries such as steel, automobiles, IT, and hospitality.

Global Influence : Bailing Out Ford

Not many people outside India know this, but back in 2008, Ford was facing the heat of the 2008 Recession and was on the verge of bankruptcy. That's when Ratan Tata offered a deal to to buy two iconic brands in the Ford portfolio — Jaguar and Land Rover.

Today, these two brands come from the house of Tatas.

It is wonderful to see their website paying a tribute to the contributions of Ratan Tata in helping their business -> https://www.jaguarlandrover.com/

Animals Come First

He was not only a man who touched the lives of humans, but also celebrated for his profound love for animals, especially dogs. His compassion for these loyal companions is well-known, and he has often been seen in the company of his beloved pets.

In July this year, he established the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, India, offering 24x7 emergency care and medical services for pets in a state-of-the-art facility spanning 98,000 square feet.

His dedication to his pets get highlighted in an incident when he said No to royalty. In 2018, he was invited by then Prince Charles to receive the 'Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy' at the Buckingham Palace. Just a few days before the ceremony, he canceled his visit because one of his pet dogs was unwell.

A Man of Courage

In November 2008, terrorists infiltrated the city of Mumbai and unleashed a devastating attack that claimed 166 lives. The attacks targeted multiple locations, including the iconic Taj Hotel, part of the Tata Group.

At the age of 70, upon learning of the attack, Ratan Tata immediately went to the hotel and stood outside as security forces carried out the operations against the terrorists. Once all of that was over, he not only reopened the hotel but also supported the families of all those employees who were killed or injured in the attack.

My Personal Homage

Dear Sir Ratan Tata,

Today, every Indian, no matter where they are in the world, mourns the loss of a true jewel. Your name, ‘Ratan,’ meaning jewel, was perfectly chosen for you.

You have inspired millions, both directly and indirectly. Each post sharing personal stories and anecdotes about you serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact you’ve had on people’s lives, often through a single gesture, a kind word, or a thoughtful insight.

Your humility shines through it all.

Rest in peace, Sir.