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It is seldom that the passing of a public personality feels like a personal loss.
The announcements of state mourning and the flags flying at half mast in public offices are often seen as protocols by the state to mark a loss. However, the demise of Mr Ratan Tata is a different story. Heartfelt tributes pouring in from every walk of life are a testimony to the adulation and respect he commanded. The void has left many common people in grief as he touched their hearts in different ways.
His magnanimity, compassion, empathy or the words of wisdom that he shared in the convocation ceremonies of higher educational institutions reflected the unique person that he was. The deep connection with the masses and the sincerity of purpose in all his philanthropic ventures, his passion for making a difference in the lives of ordinary people were so evident. Ironically, he was never one himself being born into material wealth and fortune; truly born with a silver spoon. Also, he could never be one to evoke any resentment or often that sneaking antipathy for the affluent, in the average Indian’s mind.
He put his education, wealth and privileges to good use; the true mark of an intellectual- elite. It is well known that the seeds of Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world were sown when he noticed a family of four in a motorcycle during the monsoon. A thought “Can I give them a car for the price of a motorcycle?” crossed his mind.
Forming the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT) to provide humanitarian support during disasters a few months after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks pointed at an industrialist with a golden heart and soul. As per reports, he was known to also have visited the homes of Tata Group’s Taj Hotel victims to extend lifelong support to the families of those killed.
Another hallmark of Mr. Ratan Tata’s endearing personality that one came across was his egalitarian affection towards dogs-both pedigreed and strays. Pictures and videos of a dog sleeping peacefully at the entrance of Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai went viral on the internet with Rubi Khan first sharing the
heartwarming piece in her LinkedIn post. There were strict instructions from Mr. Ratan Tata to treat animals well if they entered any of the Tata premises. A known dog lover and an advocate of animal rights, the Tata Group headquarters in Mumbai, known as Bombay House has a section assigned for the care and welfare of stray dogs. And, they can walk in and out of their free will!
In a world full of intolerance and with fast diminishing values of kindness and compassion especially towards stray dogs, Mr Tata’s attitude towards them lent weight and validation to many animal lovers and feeders. The vacuum created by such a towering personality may however leave a dent on noble causes like animal welfare.
Those of us who have read millennial Shantanu Naidu’s book “I came upon a lighthouse” get an insight into the well meaning person and a friend that he was. The two connected when Shantanu needed support for his venture Motopaws providing reflective dog collars in order that the strays be visible from a distance on high speed roads. His father insisted, Shantanu wrote an e- mail to Mr Tata without really expecting a reply. Not just a reply, he and his friend got an invite to meet Mr. Ratan Tata in his Mumbai office. The rest is history.
Industrialist, philanthropist, national icon, legend, India’s ‘ratan’ and many more heartfelt tributes from various quarters are flashing on the TV screen and online. Even these words somewhere fall short in describing the noble soul. To me, Diljit Dosanjh’s simple words in Hindi- ‘Bedaag apni life jee ke gaye’ by pausing his concert in Germany, is an apt and touching tribute. In my opinion, Mr. Ratan Tata may be called the “social medium” that connected the rich with the common man through his persona and deeds which were in complete harmony with each other. His departure is a colossal loss to our country, to society and to humanity.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint