Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s trusted assistant, has expressed grief over the passing of the iconic industrialist and philanthropist, Ratan Tata. In an emotional post shared early this morning, Naidu mourned not just the loss of a national figure but also of a close personal friend. Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away late on Wednesday night at the age of 86, following a brief illness.
Tata, a towering figure in Indian industry and philanthropy, leaves behind a legacy that has been recognised across the country. Business leaders such as Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka have joined the nation in mourning the loss.
In a LinkedIn post, Naidu reflected on his friendship with Tata, focusing not on his business achievements but on the bond they shared. “The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse,” wrote Naidu, who is the 30-year-old General Manager at the Office of Ratan Tata. He also shared a nostalgic photo of the two together.
Their unlikely friendship began in 2014 when Naidu developed reflective collars to protect stray dogs from traffic accidents at night. Impressed by his initiative, Ratan Tata, known for his love of animals, invited Naidu to work with him. Over the past decade, their relationship deepened and Naidu became a close and trusted companion to Tata, who never married or had children.
In recent years, Naidu frequently accompanied Tata in his rare public appearances, offering him support during his final years.
Ratan Tata passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 86. In a statement, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran paid tribute, noting that Ratan Tata had not only shaped the Tata Group but also the fabric of the nation itself.
Read his full statement below:
It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.
For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.
Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction.
On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones.
His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.
Also Read: Ratan Tata Is No More
