Indian industrialist Ratan Tata , who passed away at the age of 86, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and humility. Under his guidance, the Tata Group transformed into a global powerhouse, expanding its footprint across various industries, including software, automobiles, steel, and luxury goods. Yet, beyond his monumental contributions to the corporate world, Tata’s compassion and dedication to causes close to his heart—especially animal welfare—defined his life as much as his business acumen.
One incident that highlights Tata’s character occurred in 2018 and involved King Charles III, who was then known as Prince Charles . The British royal had organized a prestigious award ceremony at Buckingham Palace to honor Tata’s exceptional philanthropic work. The event, held under the auspices of the British Asian Trust, was scheduled for February 6, 2018.
Tata had been selected to receive a lifetime achievement award for his contributions, particularly in philanthropy, and had agreed to attend the ceremony. However, just days before the event, Tata made the surprising decision to cancel his travel plans and forgo the award ceremony. The reason? One of Tata’s beloved dogs had fallen gravely ill, and the industrialist couldn’t bring himself to leave his pet behind in such a vulnerable state.
Despite the grandeur of the event and the honor of being recognized by the British royal family, Tata prioritized his ailing dog over the high-profi.