Ratan Tata, the 86-year-old industrialist whose legacy spans both corporate success and social compassion, passed away on Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital. Known for transforming Tata Group into one of India’s largest conglomerates, Tata was also deeply admired for his genuine love for animals, especially stray dogs. His Instagram account, often filled with posts advocating for their welfare, highlighted his dedication to improving the lives of animals in need. He envisioned and supported the creation of the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai (SAHM), India’s first state-of-the-art facility dedicated to animal care, a project that reflected his commitment to their well-being.
In one of his final dog-related posts, Tata shared his gratitude to four dogs and their owners who responded to his plea for blood donors to help a seven-month-old dog in need of a transfusion. The post exemplified his active involvement in animal welfare until his last days.
Tata’s compassion extended beyond just advocacy; he was personally involved in rescuing animals. In a heartfelt post, he described how his office found a lost dog near Sion Hospital in Mumbai. He made a public appeal, writing, “My office has found an abandoned/lost dog last night at Sion Hospital, Mumbai. If you are his guardian or have any leads, please email reportlostdog@gmail.com with some evidence of ownership. Meanwhile, he is in our care and is being treated for his wounds.” The post inspired widespread efforts to help find the dog a home, touching the hearts of many.
During monsoon season, Tata turned his social media into a platform for stray animal safety, warning people to check under their cars before driving, as animals often seek refuge there during heavy rains. He urged, “Now that the monsoons are here, a lot of stray cats and dogs take shelter under our cars. It is important to check under our car before we turn it on and accelerate to avoid injuries to stray animals taking shelter. They can be seriously injured, handicapped, and even killed if we are unaware of their presence under our vehicles.” This plea resonated deeply with his followers, reminding them of their responsibility towards stray animals.
In 2021, Tata shared a powerful image of a Taj Hotels employee shielding a dog from the rain with an umbrella. The post highlighted Tata’s belief that kindness, even in the smallest of gestures, could make a significant difference in the world.
Tata often shared fond memories of his office dogs, which had become a part of his daily life. During Diwali, he posted a heartwarming photo of himself with Goa, a dog he had adopted at Bombay House, Tata Group’s iconic headquarters. He captioned it, “A few heartwarming moments with the adopted Bombay House dogs this Diwali, especially Goa, my office companion.”
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N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed Ratan Tata’s passing and expressed his deep loss, stating, “He was my friend, mentor, and guide.” The bond they shared went beyond business, reflecting a deep personal connection.
Ratan Tata was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai earlier in the week, and though his health had deteriorated, he continued to engage with his supporters. In his final days, he even posted an update about his health on Instagram, showing his unwavering connection to his followers until the end.
