A Legacy Of Philanthropy: Ratan Tata Touched Lives With Impactful Initiatives

Admired industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, leaving behind a profound legacy that shaped the nation in many ways. Beyond his developmental or philanthropic endeavours, he was respected for his compassion and humility which left an inspiring global impact. The visionary leader's commitment to the nation's welfare touched countless lives -- from humans to animals, and beyond.

Here are some of Tata's initiatives and investments that transformed India.

Elderly Care: Addressing Old Age Loneliness

Ratan Tata backed an elderly care startup founded by Shantanu Naidu, his trusted assistant and youngest general manager of Tata Trusts. The Goodfellows, founded by Naidu, Niki Thakur and Gargi Sandu in 2021, pairs young graduates with elderly individuals to provide companionship and support. Ratan Tata spoke at the launch event, opening a crucial dialogue about the mental health of elderly persons.

India's Startup Landscape

Ratan Tata's tryst with business was destined, being born into the legendary Tata family. Upon becoming the chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, he transformed the company into a global powerhouse while staying true to its foundational principles of social responsibility and integrity. However, Tata's influence extended far beyond traditional industrial sectors.

Tata did not subscribe to old-school corporate practices and instead embraced and cultivated a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in India. He encouraged fresh ideas and disruptive technologies, believing that innovation was key to the nation's progress He understood young India's revolutionary potential early on and recognised the economic and social impact that the startup ecosystem could have. 

Tata said at a conference in Hyderabad in 2015, "I grew up in an environment where if you had an idea, your boss or manager told you 'You need to gain some experience before you open your mouth. You need to roll up your sleeves and spend five years on the shop floor. Then you can talk.' But enterprise today is the ability of someone who may be in their 20s, who has a good idea, finding a way to implement them."

Tata was determined to be a catalyst in India's entrepreneurial development and invested in numerous promising businesses like Ola, Paytm, CureFit, and more, which have now grown to become household names in India. By backing these ventures, he not only demonstrated his confidence in the potential of young entrepreneurs but also sent a powerful message to the business community about innovation.

Transportation Endeavours

Ratan Tata's vision for a developed India extended prominently into the transportation sector. He championed innovation and accessibility and invested in projects aimed at making mobility more efficient. One of Tata's most ambitious initiatives was the launch of Tata Nano in 2008. The car was marketed as the world’s most affordable car, designed to provide a safe and comfortable option for middle-class India. 

Tata also played a crucial role in the revitalisation of Air India. He sought to modernise the airline and restore its reputation as a reliable and premium airline in the global aviation market. Apart from this, His support for Tata Motors' electric vehicle (EV) initiatives emphasised his commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.

Ratan Tata's Initiatives For Animals

Ratan Tata's love and compassion for animals permeated into his professional life, influencing his philanthropic efforts and the initiatives he championed. One of the most heartwarming examples of this was an incident in 2018 when he was invited to Buckingham Palace in the UK to receive the prestigious lifetime achievement award from King (then Prince) Charles III. Unfortunately, the industrialist cancelled his trip to London last minute because his dog fell ill.

Tata grew up with pet dogs -- namely Tito, Tango, Goa, etc. -- which were significant inspirations for his developmental work for animals. In July 2023, he opened the Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, offering 24x7 emergency services and specialised treatments in dermatology, dental care, ophthalmology, and other areas. The ₹165 crore project was extremely close to his heart as he had previously struggled to find adequate care for his dogs.

Tata has also inspired many people to advocate for the welfare of stray animals. Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group became a dog shelter for one of his rescued puppies. He also gave strict instructions to the staff at the Tata-backed prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, stating that stray animals be given free VIP entry. Tata also shared many stories and photos with stray dogs on his Instagram page.