Ratan Tata, most known for his kindness and massive contributions to India’s industrial growth is highly regarded for his ardent love towards animals, particularly dogs. His love towards dogs is no news to anyone and Tata, at times has shown his undying fondness for stray dogs through his contribution to the species’ well-being.
Of all the welfare done by Ratan Naval Tata, his dedication and contribution to stray dogs is exceptional. He allowed entry of stray dogs into the Taj Hotel Mumbai and strictly instructed hotel staff to take good care of the animals, particularly dogs on the hotel premises.
Tata Launched An Animal Hospital In Mumbai
Ratan Tata expressed his immense love for dogs by launching a hospital for animals in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area. the Small Animal Hospital, Mumbai (SAHM), spread over 98,000 square feet was Tata’s last project. Since its July 1 opening, the hospital has operated at full capacity, upholding the founder’s legacy.
The specialty pet hospital has a capacity of over 200 beds and aspires to provide advanced healthcare for needy pets. The former Chairman of Tata Sons announced the opening of the pet hospital project worth Rs 165 Cr in February this year.
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 can’t have a facility that save lives and improve pets’ lives.”
Veteran Industrialist Tata Missed An Event At Buckingham Palace To Care For Sick Pet Dog
In February 2018, Ratan Tata received an invitation from Prince Charles of the United Kingdom to attend a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he would have received a lifetime achievement award for his charitable endeavors. However, just a few days before the event, Tata’s pet dog Tito fell ill.
Adman and socialite Suhel Seth recalled the event in a video and said that he received 11 missed calls from Ratan Tata. Seth called him back and Tata told him that he could not leave his sick dog and travel to London. Tito died a few years later.
This incident was the epitome of love displayed by the giant industrialist Ratan Tata for dogs. Without being afraid of refusing Prince Charles and losing the Lifetime Achievement Award, he cared only for his dog and could not leave him.
A Home To Strays: Bombay House is a Haven for Dogs
Ratan Tata said in 2018 that stray canines outside the Tata Group’s Downtown Mumbai offices will be housed. The company’s website says that the headquarters of the Tata group, Bombay House is also the home of a few of our best friends and they can walk in the premises without an access card.
The strays were given a separate area with a regulated temperature and cozy couches thanks to the company’s headquarters remodeling. The door is made accessible for the animals to walk in and walk out freely.
A Glimpse Into Ratan Naval Tata Life Journey
Born on 28 December 1937, Ratan Naval Tata is known for his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and contributions to the Indian automotive and steel industries. Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata, the adopted son of Ratanji Tata (son of Jamshedji Tata).
Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell University College of Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and attended the Harvard Business School (HBS) in 1975. In 1962, he joined the Tata Group, starting on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He later succeeded J.R.D Tata as the Chairman of Tata Group in 1991. During his tenure as Chairman, The Tata Group acquired megacorps like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.
Tata’s parents got separated when he was 10 and was cared for by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, Widow of Ratanji Tata. He has a younger brother Jimmy Tata, and a half-brother, Noel Tata, from Naval Tata’s second marriage to his stepmother Simone Tata.
He served as the chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons from 1991 until 2012. Between October 2016 and February 2017, he served as the acting chairman. In 2000, Ratan Tata received the third-highest civilian award in India, Padma Bhushan. Later in 2008, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
Ratan Tata’s Personal Traits and Philosophy
Despite being an affluent and powerful industrialist in India, Ratan Tata never missed an opportunity to show his love for the country and its people. He was known and loved for his simplicity, integrity, and forward-thinking approach. He led a modest lifestyle was deeply passionate about uplifting society and was often engaged in social work.
Many thought that it was his surname that made him the successor of the Tata Group, but it was his passion and vision for innovation, his entrepreneurship skills, and his humility that made him an influential leader. Over the 21 years that Tata oversaw the Tata Group, sales and profit increased by more than 40 and 50 times, respectively.
Tata’s journey is a testimony of how ethical leadership and innovation create a lasting legacy, both in business and in humanity, and will be remembered forever. Ratan Tata died on 9 October 2024 due to multiple health issues. Even if he is no more with his pets and strays, his ethical leadership, vision, and humility continue to inspire millions.
