Love for Ratan by the Titans of the Tata group

Ratan Tata's qualities of love for people, love for India and love for animals is well known. His funeral saw thousands pay their last respects which is itself a testimony to the fact that how people loved him back- we saw people across political divides, across all professions & all sections of society came together in mourning on his passing away. The world press too paid glowing tributes whether from France, Germany, UK, US, Singapore....

I am narrating a small story which demonstrates how much he was loved by many Tata employees... Perhaps in the year 2012, a few months before Ratan Tata superannuated, he visited the Titan World store in Colaba, Mumbai. The store is not only one of Titan Company's oldest stores, it is also housed in a heritage building called Holland House. It was then also closest to Bombay House, the HQ of Tata's.

Sometime 4th week of December he had dropped down to buy a few watches for some gifting. It was a rare event for Ratan Tata to visit a store for shopping. Once he was in the store, our staff was excited to the brim and did their best to make him comfortable and show him the watches and help him to choose. Titan is a pride of the Tata group, and the watches are wonderful gift items. However, so far this was business as usual. other than the presence of the beloved guest.

Suddenly, it struck one of the store staff members that Mr Tata had his birthday after 4 days. They wanted to do something special and memorable and thinking on their feet came up with a plan. They held him back in some conversations and simultaneously arranged a cake for him and planned a small ceremony.

Mr Tata said, "but today is not my birthday, it's a few days later". The staff member replied, "Sir, we know it, but let's celebrate today itself as we may not be able to catch you on your birthday". Mr Tata obliged. He not only cut his cake, but had it too, with the retail staff. Such was the love of the Titanians in that store for their Ratan Tata. While we celebrate the life of the legend, I also celebrate my team in Colaba those days who have left an indelible mark in my mind. I was the Regional Business Manager for region West then and feel so proud that I had the chance to rub shoulders with these retail heroes.

Jimmy Mogal, Mahesh Salte, Vinayak Chordekar, Sanesh Gawali, Shahnawaz Turki, Luiza & Horta, Dhanashree Phondekar.