There have been countless incidents where a dog cried and wailed when its caretaker passed away. Today, thousands of dogs may howl and weep all over India as their favorite and most generous caretaker has left this world.
Ratan Naval Tata, one of the most precious sons of India, passed away on the morning of 9th October at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Mr. Tata was a philanthropist par excellence whose commitment to India’s inclusive growth and development remained paramount.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Mr. Tata said he would like to be remembered as somebody who made a difference. From education to healthcare, his contributions and initiatives left an incredible impact. With his death, his kindness, humility, and passion for making a difference stand truly unparalleled.
Tata Trust has been acknowledged as the top philanthropist globally, having donated over $102 billion to various charities and causes. By demonstrating affection for animals and engaging in charitable endeavors, Tata emphasized the importance of looking after those who are unable to care for themselves to achieve genuine advancement.
Despite being a business leader, Ratan Tata had a deeply engraved love for animals that went beyond mere fondness, manifesting in concrete actions and initiatives throughout his life. Every human should learn from his consistent advocacy for humane treatment, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior toward animals.
At the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, Tata implemented a policy of welcoming stray animals, ensuring they were treated kindly. This directive came to light when an HR professional shared a picture of a stray dog comfortably resting inside the hotel. Hotel staff clarified that Tata had given explicit instructions to treat all animals entering the premises with care.
Tata’s deep love for dogs was evident in how he cared for his pets. He once chose to skip a prestigious event to tend to his ailing dog. Adman Suhel Seth, then consultant of the Tata Groups, recounted an instance where Tata missed a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he was to receive a lifetime achievement award from then-Prince Charles. He skipped this event because his dog, Tito, had fallen ill. Seth received 11 missed calls from Tata, who explained he couldn’t bear to leave his sick pet’s side, such was his care and love for dogs.
The Tata Group, under Tata’s leadership, spearheaded numerous projects for animal welfare. The company’s headquarters, Bombay House, was transformed into a haven for stray animals. The building’s renovation included a dedicated space for strays, complete with climate control, comfortable bedding, and a special access door for their free movement.
Tata’s social media presence reflected his affection for animals. His Instagram feed frequently featured posts advocating for their well-being. He used his platform to raise awareness about the need for sensitive treatment of stray animals, particularly during monsoons when they often seek shelter under vehicles.
Tata urged people to check under their cars before starting them to prevent accidental injuries or fatalities. He also actively sought loving homes for abandoned and lost dogs. One post highlighted an abandoned dog found at Sion Hospital, encouraging people to come forward if they were the owner or knew of any leads.
Tata’s affinity for dogs was well-known, even leading him to adopt several. He often shared heartwarming moments with his canine companions on social media, including his office companion, Goa.
Tata also demonstrated his dedication to animal welfare by creating the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai. This 165-crore project was his final major project. Opened in July this year, the state-of-the-art establishment features more than 200 beds and offers 24×7 advanced medical treatment for animals.
During the project’s launch, Tata pointed out the insufficient infrastructure for pet care in India, stressing the importance of a specialized facility for rescuing and enhancing the lives of animals. He said, “Pets are our family, and their lives matter to every pet parent. When I looked around and saw the lack of infrastructure for pets in India, it made me wonder why, in such a large country with a significant pet population, we cannot have a facility that can save and improve pets’ lives.”
In an Instagram post remembering his late pet Tito, he also articulated how deeply he respected those who strived for the welfare of the voiceless. One similar case happened when Tata applauded a Taj employee for sharing an umbrella with a stray dog in Mumbai as it poured heavily. Soon after, the picture surfaced on social media and went viral, so much so that Ratan Tata noticed and reposted it.
Ratan Tata served as the chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 till his retirement in December 2012. Through his compassion and dedication, the chairman, Emeritus of Tata Sons, left behind a legacy of industrial success and deep empathy for animals. We must learn how he led his life and understand the true meaning of wealth.
