Remembering Ratan Tata: A global icon who led a simple life

Mumbai: Ratan Tata, the industrialist who died at a Mumbai hospital late on Wednesday, was full of wit and humour. He was also humility personified. And of course, the industrialist-philanthropist was a gentleman to the core.

There are many stories and anecdotes of Tata, which talk about the man he was and how he functioned in his professional and personal lives.

On his last day in office, 28 December, 2012, Tata chose to be away from the hustle-bustle of Bombay House in the Fort area of Mumbai, the headquarters of the Tata Sons, and spent time in the shop floor of Tata Motors in Pune.

Follow our live coverage on Ratan Tata's last journey here

“At the request of the union, I spent the day - my last day prior to retirement, in the Tata Motors’ various manufacturing facilities at Pune to say farewell to my shop floor colleagues. We have been together in good times and bad and have gained closeness based on mutual trust,” tweeted Tata, as he stepped down after a long five-decade stint.

A few years ago, when the demand to confer Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour to Tata gathered steam, he requested people to stay away from such campaigns. "While I appreciate the sentiments expressed by a section of the social media in terms of an award, I would humbly like to request that such campaigns be discontinued,” he posted on X, in February 2021.

Journalist-adventurer Vishnudas Chapke recalled the help from Tata Trusts. “Ratan Tata Sir embarked on his ultimate solo flight! And I will never meet him. Thank you very much for your generous sponsorship for my project of Solo Circumnavigation of Globe Overland. Thousands like me fulfilled their adventurous dreams because of your generous help,” Chapke said.

Railwayman and social worker Khushroo Poacha, who is based in Nagpur, recalls an interesting story. “I and Fermin Poacha had a dream to meet Ratan Tata someday. But it will always remain a dream. On 14 February, 2005, I sent a fax at about 1800 hrs on the number of Bombay House for help for my blood helpline www.indianblooddonors.com. I just tried. I was not sure if the fax would be noticed. Or even replied to. But I was in for a shock. I received a reply from him. Exactly within 24 hours when I got a letter from him delivered by a personal courier. And this is my most cherished possession today.”

Lotus Bharat posted on X of memories about being a neighbour of Tata at one point of time. “I have some nice memories of Ratan Tata when I used to live in Colaba some decades ago, he used to live next door in Bakhtawar and would religiously walk his two Doberman dogs every evening in his shorts and Tshirt, would spot him sometimes at the US Club playing tennis and having chai, was a simple and friendly guy, in spite of achieving so much he was very down to earth and humble, would always say hello and chat with the young kids in the compound. A gracious and chivalrous gentleman, that’s the memory I have of this legend.”