My Memorable Visit to Bombay House, Tata Group Headquarters in 2010 – A Humble Tribute to Ratan Tata
Nasser Hussain Dubey MBA, MAeSI, Veteran
Integrated Facilities Management, Security & Corporate Services
I write this blog as a tribute to the great Ratan Naval Tata, who sadly passed away last night after a prolonged illness. Though I never had the honor of meeting him in person, my visit to the iconic Bombay House in 2010 gave me a glimpse of his exceptional character.
In the winter of 2010, I visited the Tata Group headquarters on Homi Mody Street, Mumbai, for a meeting with Tata Motors regarding a placement in Jamshedpur. The building, with its striking colonial red fa?ade, dates back to 1924 and was overseen by Dorabji Tata himself. As I stood outside the building early that misty morning, I felt a sense of history and purpose.
Upon completing the formalities at the entrance, I still had some time before my meeting, so I explored the surroundings. I was escorted by a tall Sikh security officer, an ex-serviceman, up the stairs to the main entrance. There, I saw the office of Shri Ratan Tata, with "Chairman's Room" displayed in bold letters. Before I could fully appreciate the timeless architecture, I noticed three stray dogs lying peacefully by the door. Intrigued, I asked my escort about them.
He shared a heartwarming story. Years ago, an ill puppy wandered to the entrance of the Chairman’s office. When Ratan Tata saw the pup, he immediately instructed the staff to take care of it, ensuring it received medical attention and food. Since then, stray dogs have found a home at Bombay House, with a kennel built inside for them. Some, like those at the entrance, still roam freely, adding a unique charm to the space.
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As I reflected on this story, I entered the boardroom for my meeting. The room exuded old-world charm, with tall windows and classic interiors. Something curious caught my attention: the windows still had window AC units, a rarity in today’s corporate world where split ACs have taken over. I asked my escort why they hadn’t modernized. The answer I received was profound: Ratan Tata had halted the renovation because removing the window ACs would displace the pigeons that had nested there for years. This decision spoke volumes about his thoughtfulness, empathy for nature, and deep respect for the environment.
I left Bombay House with immense admiration for Ratan Tata, a man who cared for the smallest of creatures while leading one of the largest business empires in the world. His ability to balance compassion, sustainability, and business acumen left an indelible mark on me.
Although I never met him, his legacy continues to inspire. May his soul rest in peace. Ratan Tata, you were truly an Anmol Ratan of India.
?Nasser Hussain Dubey, 10th October 2024
Facility management professional Administration and Real estate
4 个月Truly a great story Col.
M.Tech(Mech.), M.B.A, L.L.B, F.I.E, P.D.I.S (Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Safety) - RLI Kanpur, NEBOSH IGC, NEBOSH IDIP, IPrE( International Professional Engineer), Certified Fire & Life Safety and Legal Auditor.
4 个月Thank you Col Nasser ji for sharing your valuable experience in TATA House, yes no doubt he is a true leader, friend, philosopher and care taker, no one becomes like Shree Ratan Tata and we are proud that he has done many many things to the world especially for India in manufacturing sector, business, staring from pin to airoplane. My respectful tributes to Shree Ratan Tata ji pray for departed soul rest in peace
Senior Vice President
4 个月Great experience and thanks for sharing Col. He is true leader and we lost an asset of our country..??
Team Lead Facilities Admin at eClinicalWorks l Ex Reliance Industries
4 个月Superb way of tribute by you to Ratan Tata sir. This is really a nation loss. May her soul rest in peace.
Application Modernization Consultant|Big 4| Program Management| Artificial Intelligence Enthusiast
4 个月Beautifully written and what a true leader. Exhibiting emotional intelligence and compassion.