Admire Ratan Tata? Here are 8 lesser-known things about him

As the nation mourns the death of one of its most-loved and admired businesspersons, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts about Ratan Tata, the man who led the Tata Group with vision and dedication.

Early years and education

When he was just 10 years old, his parents separated in 1948. He was brought up by his grandmother Navajbai Tata. His early schooling was in Mumbai and Shimla, and he graduated from a school in New York in 1955. He then completed a degree in architecture at Cornell University and acquired a business management degree from the Harvard Business School.

Also Read: Ratan Tata obit: Industry trailblazer, corporate adventurer, boardroom patriarch

Came close to tying the knot

It is common knowledge that Tata never got married. But most people would be surprised to learn that he fell in love four times and came very close to tying the knot. During an exclusive interview with CNN, he revealed that the first time he fell in love with a girl, which he called “the more serious one”, was when he was working in the US. He had to return to India, and she was supposed to follow him. But it was during the 1962 India-China conflict, and she did not join Tata in India.

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Tata in his interview said every time he came close to getting married again, he backed out due to fear or some other reason. He said each of the occasions was different. He also admitted that in hindsight, it was probably a good thing that he did not get married because of the people involved. He said it might have turned out to be more complex had the marriage taken place.

Donated without the camera on 

The industrialist reportedly donated billions of dollars over the years towards philanthropic causes, but without any media attention. Though he presided over a business empire that was worth over $300 billion, he wasn’t a billionaire himself. He preferred donating to worthy social projects rather than splurging money on himself.

A trained pilot

Tata was a trained pilot and was so accomplished that he even saved his classmates once by safely landing a plane after its engine failed when they were in the air. He even became the first Indian to fly the F-16 Falcon fighter jet in 2007.

'Messiah' of dogs

Tata's love for his dog was so much that in 2018 he reportedly cancelled his plans of going to London to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prince Charles for his exceptional philanthropic work because the pet became seriously ill.

Also Read: ‘Legends never die’: India mourns death of Ratan Tata; industrialist to get state funeral

He gave stray dogs a home or found them a home. A journalist wrote about visiting Bombay House, the Tata head office in Mumbai, and being taken to a large, air-conditioned room on a mezzanine floor where about ten street dogs were being sheltered. They even had a facility for showers and staff to take care of them.

It is famous how it is a rule at all Tata offices including the Bombay House and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to provide shelter and care to all stray dogs and never shoo them away. 

Art and automobiles enthusiast

Tata was an avid collector of art. His collection included paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Some of his favourite artists were MF Hussain, Anjolie Ela Menon, Jehangir Sabavala, and SH Raza.

Also Read: Ratan Tata conferred with ‘Udyog Ratna’ award by Maharashtra government

He also had a passion for cars and motorcycles. His automobile collection had both vintage and modern vehicles like the Royal Enfield Bullet, the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL, and the Ferrari California.

Concern for employees during 26/11 terror attacks

During the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai when the terrorists were holed up in the Taj Hotel, Tata, who was then 70 years old and the chairman of the Tata Group, would stand almost the entire day outside the hotel, watching the security forces carrying out their operations.

Hepersonally visited the homes of every victim who died in the Taj Hotel and made sure their families received whatever help they needed.

Also Read: Ratan Tata shares his journey ‘from shop floor to Chairman’s seat’

Within a month, in December 2008, the Tata Group established the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust to provide humanitarian support in the event of disasters.

A life dedicated to Tata Group

Ratan turned down an attractive job offer from IBM and instead began working in the Tata Group. He started at the bottom of the ladder, managing the blast furnace and limestone dump. He gradually took on more responsibilities, and finally became the head of the Tata Group in 1991. He was instrumental in taking the conglomerate global, in building a car for the common man, and in consolidating its position as one of the premier business groups in India.