Ratan Tata was a remarkable ambassador for India. His sophistication and ability to connect with people from all over the world as a global citizen put everyone at ease. (Express file)
It is impossible to fully capture all that Ratan Tata (RNT, as he was affectionately called) embodied — words cannot adequately describe a person of his stature and qualities. So, I would prefer to recount a few incidents where RNT left an indelible mark on me.
He was a remarkable ambassador for India. His sophistication and ability to connect with people from all over the world as a global citizen put everyone at ease. Over the years, I brought many global business leaders to meet him — people who had met prime ministers and business leaders from around the world went away awed after meeting RNT. In fact, a visit to India was incomplete without a meeting with him on the itinerary — he represented the very best of India. They were all struck by his vision, his frankness, his humility, his grace, and his humour. Meetings were typically conducted alone, with at most a note-taker, always on time, and he always walked with us to the lift to see us off. Over time, I learned from him what it takes to be a tall leader and an ambassador for India.
RNT’s humility was extraordinary, accompanied by a quiet shyness in the early years. He would greet a lift-man or a waiter at a restaurant with the same respect he showed any dignitary. He carried his own (heavy!) bag onto the aircraft — never one to have people fussing over him. Relaxed and chatting in a corner with Zia Modi and myself at the airport as we waited to board a delayed flight. I chaired the Harvard Business School South Asia Advisory Board, where he was also a member, with some initial trepidation at his presence — his support made it so easy for me in a short period of time.
His self-deprecating humour and keen observation made for light-hearted moments. I vividly recall his playful description of how he wondered if we bathed in the basin while washing our hands and faces, given the wet mess we’d leave behind in the bathroom!
Then there was his love for cars and planes, clearly evident from his leadership at Tata Motors and the bid for Air India back in 2000 almost 25 years ago! I was with JM Morgan Stanley at the time, working as the government’s advisor for Air India’s privatisation. The Tata-Singapore Airlines consortium was on the shortlist, even the preferred bidder, but trade unions were against it. They feared layoffs and a private sector style of management. It didn’t take long to persuade RNT to meet with the unions and employees. By the end of the two interactions, he had charmed a hostile audience where even the lift-man in the Air India building at Nariman Point was asking when the Tatas would take over Air India, and saying they believed this was the right step for the airline. The deal fell through when Singapore Airlines pulled out at the last stages and as the criteria required recent experience of running an airline, Tata could not go ahead — but that’s the subject for another story. RNT’s patience and interest endured and I am glad he saw this deal come through in the last years of his life as Air India came home to the Tatas.
What also comes to mind is the common sight that greeted you as you entered Bombay House with the well-fed and collared strays that lounged in the cool lobby of the historic and regal Head Office building — and we all knew that the care and affection came right from the top. RNT often walked his own pet dog at the United Services Club, an endearing sight for us dog lovers. The Tata group’s philanthropy through establishing and running some of the best hospitals for humans is well known — lesser known is the path-breaking sponsorship of animal hospitals.
His passion for the environment was unmistakable and evident through the best practices the Tata group companies embraced. Whenever our conversations shifted towards environment-friendly practices or emerging trends in sustainability, you could see his eyes light up. He encouraged me to write my book, Survive or Sink — An Action Agenda for Sanitation, Water, Pollution, and Green Finance, and Tata Trusts even sponsored a student edition to ensure wide distribution to colleges.
When it came to supporting Swachh Bharat, RNT was hands-on. Tata Trusts teamed up with the government to help build a group of young professionals — the Zila Swachh Bharat Preraks, who would work in every district to push forward the Open Defecation Free (ODF) mission. Tata Trusts funded and trained 600 of these skilled professionals, as an extension of their Tata Water Mission. RNT was there with ministers to kick off the event, sharing his vision on water, sanitation and nutrition for a healthy India, in one of the most sensitive and impassioned speeches I have heard on the subject.
The Tata building at the Harvard Business School speaks to the global brand of the Tatas and indeed Indian business and does us proud. The architect in RNT was evident in the creation of this aesthetic environment-friendly building which he influenced with his keen sense of design.
What stood out most about RNT was his exceptional ability to inspire through quiet yet resolute leadership. He was never the loudest voice in the room, but his words carried immense weight. He led by example, with a firm belief in integrity, empathy, and fairness. He had this incredible knack for balancing vision with practical action, whether in business decisions or social causes. People followed him not because they had to, but because they believed in him and his mission. His leadership style was one that empowered others, always trusting his teams and encouraging them to take ownership. He was both a mentor and a visionary — leadership qualities of a high order that set him apart.
Leaders like him are the cause for celebration of a life well lived, touching and inspiring many along the way. Leaders who have laid the fabric of the India we know today. Leaders whose moral compass and standards must live on in us as we aspire to lead the world.
The writer is Chair, India Sanitation coalition
