Shantanu Naidu, the youngest General Manager at Tata Trusts and a trusted confidant of the late Ratan Tata, shared an emotional tribute after the passing of the legendary business magnate. Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, died at the age of 86 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions. Among those most deeply affected by his passing was Naidu, who had developed a profound bond with Tata over the years, particularly through their shared love for dogs.
Following Tata’s death, Naidu took to social media to express his grief, penning a heartfelt message that captured the void left in his life. In a touching post, he referred to Tata as his “dear lighthouse,” reflecting on the deep friendship 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,” Naidu wrote, encapsulating the immense loss he felt.
On the day of the funeral, Naidu’s grief was visible as he led the funeral procession on a Yezdi motorcycle, riding ahead of the truck that carried Ratan Tata’s mortal remains. A video posted on social media showed Naidu at the forefront of the somber procession, followed by an ambulance and several police vehicles, as they made their way to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). When approached by the media after the funeral at Worli Crematorium, a tearful Naidu declined to comment, a testament to the profound emotional impact of the day.
The bond between Shantanu Naidu and Ratan Tata was not just a professional relationship but one deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared values. In his 2021 memoir, I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata, Naidu chronicled the story of how he, a young software engineer from Pune, became one of the closest people in Tata’s life. Their first encounter came about when Naidu wrote a letter to Tata about his project to save stray dogs from accidents at night by using reflective collars. Tata, an animal lover himself, responded to the letter, which led to a meeting and the beginning of a lasting friendship.
In his memoir, Naidu recalled how he tried to imitate Ratan Tata, not only in his work but in the way Tata carried himself. One humorous and touching episode involved Naidu’s attempt to impress Tata by purchasing a shirt from Brooks Brothers, a brand Tata frequently wore. This happened when Naidu was about to leave for the United States to pursue his MBA at Cornell University. Hoping to make a lasting impression at a farewell dinner with Tata, Naidu spent half of his monthly salary on the luxury shirt.
Naidu admitted with endearing honesty that the purchase, which involved “a lot of squint-eyed staring at the logo” to identify the brand, didn’t work out quite as he hoped. On the day of the dinner, he was unwell, and the shirt didn’t suit him as much as he’d imagined. Despite the awkwardness, the episode became a cherished memory, one that deepened their bond.
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Later, the same Brooks Brothers shirt reappeared in Naidu’s story when he accidentally tore it during his time in the United States. Displaying the generosity and warmth that defined their relationship, Ratan Tata found the same shirt in a U.S. store and insisted on buying it for Naidu. When Naidu tried to refuse, Tata simply asked, “Can’t I give my friend a shirt?” The simplicity and affection in that moment encapsulated the humility and care that Ratan Tata embodied throughout his life.
Beyond his duties managing Ratan Tata’s affairs, Naidu also pursued his own entrepreneurial ventures, many of which were socially driven. One of his most significant projects, Goodfellows, was a companionship service for senior citizens launched in 2022. Tata supported this initiative, recognizing its importance in addressing the growing issue of loneliness among the elderly.
The relationship between Shantanu Naidu and Ratan Tata was not just one of mentorship, but of genuine friendship. Naidu’s journey from a young engineer to a close confidant of one of India’s most respected industrialists is a testament to his passion, determination, and the deep connection they shared. As Naidu mourns the loss of his “dear lighthouse,” his life will undoubtedly continue to be shaped by the values and lessons he learned from Ratan Tata.
