Most of you will agree with me that for the past few days, our social media feeds have been filled with posts about one of India’s most beloved and revered personalities – Mr. Ratan Tata. From heartfelt tributes to fond memories, it seems like everyone has a story to share, whether they knew him personally or not, there is some connect. Many speak of him as the legend, the inspiration, the guiding light who impacted their lives in ways that transcend words.
Some have had the privilege to meet or work with him, and others, perhaps motivated by a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), have posted eloquent lines to ensure they aren’t left out of the collective homage.
But beyond the buzz and trending posts, there’s another group of people—those who quietly acknowledge their sadness, offering their prayers in silence. They don’t share it with the world because some things, after all, are felt deeply within. It reminds me of how loss is expressed differently by each of us: for some, its words, and for others, it’s simply a thought held closely in the heart.
As I reflect on this, I too am transported back 24 years, to a memory that I treasure like no other. I was just 20 years old, my first job, an intern at TCS, where I had the remarkable opportunity to meet Mr. Ratan Tata. Being the youngest and newest intern, I was sure my encounter with him would be brief, maybe even skipped entirely. But how wrong I was!
When he reached me, despite having already greeted 50 others before me, he shook my hand firmly, with the same warmth, looked me in the eye, and said, "All the best. Keep learning with passion." I don’t have a photograph to show, but the memory remains etched in my mind, like it happened just yesterday.
For those who knew him or were touched by his work, one thing is clear: Ratan Tata was more than just a business magnate. He was compassionate, empathetic, soft-spoken, humble, and respectful of everyone no matter their status or background. He had a unique ability to connect with people at every level, from the intern standing last in line to the industry leaders of the world. In many ways, he epitomized the qualities of a true Buddha—calm, kind, and wise.
As the world continues to honour his legacy, it makes me wonder what is the best way to truly honour Mr. Tata? Is it enough to post a tribute, speak highly of him, or engage in discussions about the great man he was? Or is it more meaningful to embody the values he stood for?
And so, as I read through these tributes, I ask myself and all of you this question: is it enough to pay our respects through words? Or is it more important to try and imbibe his qualities into our daily lives? To be compassionate, humble, and respectful? To approach life with empathy and a genuine desire to lift others up?
It can begin with a small change like becoming more mindful of how we conduct ourselves and engage with others. It’s not easy to live up to the example he set, but even small steps in the right direction matter. His legacy shouldn’t just live in our words, but in our actions.
So, if you agree with me, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What is that one quality of his that you have or would adopt in your life? Let’s honour him not just through our tributes but by striving to be a little more like him in our everyday lives.
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