Renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, received the esteemed KISS Humanitarian Award 2021 on Monday, during a ceremony held at his residence in Mumbai. This accolade underscores his dedication to social progress and outstanding corporate stewardship.
In attendance at the ceremony were N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, and three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, alongside other distinguished guests. The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Achyuta Samanta, presented the award. Tata’s limited public appearances due to health concerns necessitated the private arrangement of the ceremony at his residence.
Ratan Tata, typically reserved when it comes to accepting recognition, agreed to receive this award after a personal appeal from Achyuta Samanta, acknowledging the significance of the KISS humanitarian honor. Although announced in 2021, Tata couldn’t accept the award at the time due to the COVID pandemic.
Expressing his gratitude towards KISS and its founder, Tata remarked, “I am incredibly grateful to receive this honor. This marks one of the most significant moments in my life.”
Samanta expressed, “Ratan Tata is a revered figure in India, truly embodying goodness. It’s a privilege for us to honor him today with this award.”
Reflecting on Tata’s impact, he added, “Ratan Tata’s philanthropic work and leadership have inspired me since childhood. I’ve held him in high regard from a young age. My father worked for the Tata Company, and my admiration for Ratan Tata began then.” He continued, “Tragically, when I was only four years old, my father passed away in a train accident.”
Established in 2008 by Achyuta Samanta, the KISS Humanitarian Award stands as the pinnacle of recognition within KIIT and KISS, honoring individuals and organizations worldwide who exemplify the ethos of humanitarianism. Past recipients of this esteemed accolade encompass a diverse array of global leaders, Nobel laureates, and prominent figures across various fields, underscoring the award’s wide-reaching international significance and esteem. During the event, approximately 40,000 students from KISS extended their well wishes to Ratan Tata, expressing hopes for his enduring health and well-being.