Remembering Mr Ratan N Tata: A Personal Reflection

This month, we mourn the profound loss of Mr Ratan N Tata, a visionary whose enduring support and guidance were instrumental in laying the foundation for Social Alpha. I first saw Mr Tata in 1995 while working at ICICI Bank. During the inauguration of our New Delhi office, he visited us alongside industry stalwarts like Mr N Vaghul and Dr R H Patil. Meeting the Chairman of the Tata Group was awe-inspiring. As Mr Tata prepared to leave, Mr Vaghul asked me to escort him—a fanboy moment I’ll never forget. We walked to the Connaught Place parking lot, where a black Mercedes awaited him. Although I was too awestruck to speak, feeling a mix of reverence and disbelief, Mr Tata extended his hand warmly, thanked me, and shook my hand before departing. There were no smartphones, no selfies to capture it, yet that handshake remains vividly etched in my memory.

Nearly two decades later, our paths crossed again, this time at Harvard Business School in 2013 when he engaged with our batch. Mr Tata, a fellow alumnus from the class of 1975, was as humble and approachable as ever. In a brief conversation, I shared my aspiration to contribute to India’s social sector, a passing mention that would change the course of my life. That encounter proved to be a pivotal moment for me, leading to an opportunity to present the idea of Social Alpha to Mr Tata and the trustees of Tata Trusts. His openness to new ideas and genuine interest in fostering innovation were transformative. Not only did he take a keen interest in the concept, but our innovation curation program received funding from Tata Trusts.

Mr Tata’s support was foundational in establishing Social Alpha. He truly believed in ‘the transformative power of science and technology innovations to solve some of the world’s most complex social and environmental challenges’. He emphasised that innovation must engage with markets and communities, particularly in pressing areas like climate change and healthcare, which he described as ‘burning topical issues’. He championed our work, encouraging us to support entrepreneurs tackling these critical challenges and continually reminding us to ‘focus on impact first’.

In 2017, Mr Tata entrusted me with another mission: to set up the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) in Bangalore, a project very close to his heart. He asked me to build the institute and remain engaged as its life trustee. His vision for TIGS embodied his belief in the ‘potential of advancements in genetics and genomics to solve complex challenges in agriculture and healthcare’. He was incredibly excited about TIGS’ work on crop improvement, food security, point-of-care diagnostics, and modern therapeutics—areas he saw as pathways to creating lasting societal value.

He often pushed us with probing questions, reflecting his boundless curiosity and commitment to meaningful social impact. I grew accustomed to his insightful questions that continually pushed me to explore problems from fresh perspectives. He always wanted to learn more about cutting-edge research in fields like genetics, robotics, and AI, making it a priority to stay engaged with the latest advancements. In every interaction, Mr Tata’s curiosity and humility stood out. Even as he maintained a high-level view, he often recalled specific details about Social Alpha’s companies, asking thoughtful questions about their progress. He never failed to remind us of the importance of making Social Alpha self-sustaining, envisioning a model of circular and sustainable philanthropy that could support innovation far into the future.

Mr Tata’s kindness extended far beyond professional interactions and his humility and grounded nature left a lasting impression. Every time I visited, he would insist on coming to the door to say goodbye, even when age made such gestures physically taxing. After a knee treatment, he expressed regret that he couldn’t accompany me to the door—a courtesy he extended to his guests. That was Mr Tata: humble, attentive, and thoughtful, with a personal touch that spoke volumes about his character. His presence left a warmth that words struggle to convey. I have countless stories of his grace and generosity, and I find myself at a loss for where to start or end.

As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken with his support and guidance, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of knowing him—not only as a leader but as a mentor and friend. His legacy is woven into every effort we make at Social Alpha to create a better world through science and technology. In his honour, we are establishing an award to recognise scientist-entrepreneurs who, like him, are dedicated to solving complex problems for people and the planet. This award will be a testament to his vision, inspiring future generations to carry forward his legacy of empathy, curiosity, and commitment to humanity.

Rest in peace, Mr Tata. Your legacy lives on in our work and our hearts, guiding us as we strive to honour the vision you helped us build.

- Manoj