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A Legacy of Love and Loyalty

Mohit Mishra delves deep into Ratan Tata’s indelible bond with dogs.

In a society focused on business and achievement where few shine as models of both prowess and genuine empathy, Ratan Tata stands apart as an industrialist and philanthropist who spearheaded the Tata Group with visionary passion. While numerous accounts highlight his business acumen and impactful leadership, Tata’s abiding affection for dogs has resonated deeply with admirers. During his passing away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 86 years, there was a sense of affection that was truly moving to witness after his death. One heart-warming moment at the funeral was seeing his dog Goa sitting calmly next to his coffin and steadfastly staying by his master’s side without any intention of leaving. The image of Goa, a black dog with white markings, beautifully captured the intense emotion of that moment—a powerful reminder of the unspoken connection between humans and animals.

The Story of Goa

Goa was no ordinary dog, he was picked up from the streets of Goa. It was his luck that he started walking behind the industrialist since he sensed some kindred spirit within him. While others would have petted the dog and moved on, Tata took the dog home and named him Goa. He brought him to Mumbai and for the last 11 years, Goa has been a constant companion. He lived in the legendary Bombay House with Tata which was also the headquarters of the Tata Group.

Bombay House

Perhaps the most heart-warming relationship that Tata had with the dogs was seen in the transformation that he brought to Bombay House. The structure, built in 1924, had long been the corporate headquarters of the Tata Group. But in 2018, under Ratan Tata’s ideal leadership, the building underwent a major renovation. It wasn’t merely about modern offices or more comfortable workplaces for the employees. Bombay House was an abode for stray dogs, for whom there was an especially constructed kennel and an area created with special care for them.

Tata’s decision to introduce strays into the daily scenario of Bombay House was not just a boon it spoke of his faith in compassion and being inclusive. Employees at the Tata Group spoke about the special bonding that Tata had with these dogs, most of whom he had personally adopted. The dogs, like the industrialist himself, became essential to the building with their loyalty and quiet presence.

Loyalty over Accolades

Tata’s devotion to his dogs extended far beyond merely adopting strays, hitting the very core of his ideals. One such incident occurred in 2018 when Tata was due to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Royal Family. The event was set to be attended by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and all arrangements were in place for Tata’s grand honour. But in a move that surprised many, Tata called off his visit to the UK at the eleventh hour. The reason was one of his dogs, Tango, who had fallen ill. “I can’t leave him and come”, Tata had explained, as he chose to remain by his pet’s side rather than attend a royal ceremony. This incident perfectly captures Ratan Tata’s priorities. For him, loyalty was not a concept limited to business or human relationships. It extended to his dogs, for whom he was always willing to make losses. It was a value deeply embedded in his life, from choosing to adopt strays over expensive breeds to caring for them as members of his own family.

Rata and His Social Media

Tata didn’t shy away from sharing his love for dogs on social media. His Instagram was a window into his private life and there were several posts dedicated to the pets. From pictures of him cradling a puppy to heart-warming messages about the joy animals bring, Tata often used this platform to raise awareness about the importance of adopting stray dogs.

In one such post, Tata shared a picture of a dog with the caption, “Of all the different sufferings that animals today have to go through, my heart truly breaks for the ones that get abandoned by families…” And not just dogs, he was raising awareness for various types of animals in trouble like stray cats, elephants, etc.

Tata’s use of social media to promote pet adoption resonated with many, particularly because it came from someone as influential as him. His message was clear: every animal, regardless of its background or breed, deserves love and care. Stray dogs are often viewed with disdain in many parts of the country and while there are numerous efforts to improve their treatment, Tata’s public advocacy gave the cause a powerful boost.

Through his social media platforms, particularly Instagram, Tata reached millions of people, many of whom may never have considered adopting a stray dog before. His posts were simple yet heartfelt, urging people to choose kindness and adopt animals that needed homes instead of purchasing from breeders. These posts often included photos of Tata with his dogs, sharing personal stories of joy and companionship, reminding the world that even the most powerful and successful individuals can find solace in the love of a pet.

A Wider Social Movement

Ratan Tata’s love for dogs and his advocacy for the rights of animals never stood alone. His action was just a reflection of the general movement in India towards making amends with the issue of stray animals, primarily dogs that are otherwise neglected or ill-treated. Though numerous NGOs and activists are fighting the cause of animal welfare in India, what was more needed was visibility brought through the influence of Tata, a corporate icon.

Tata collaborated with animal welfare organizations to support food, shelter, and medical care for stray dogs. He stressed the concept of corporate responsibility in this area by promoting the integration of animal welfare as a part of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the business world. His legacy is so deep because he did the right thing by aligning personal values with professional influence in a meaningful way to bridge corporate India and social causes.

His voice was also loud on personal investments in environmental issues. Tata was interested in green technology and sustainable practices. He believes in projects that minimize human interference with the environment. His interdependence sense to all forms of life governed his protection efforts not only of animals but the entire world.

The Legacy of Passion and Compassion

 This commitment towards compassion only deepened in his old age as he began to withdraw from his corporate life. His love for street dogs became even more visible as he spent more time in his residence and the places he visited regularly, always ensuring that needy animals were cared for and protected. In doing so, he reflected an understanding that corporate success and social responsibility must go together with empathy and a feeling that extends to the lowest and most vulnerable of living creatures.

This will be a powerful reminder from Tata: greatness is not just about professional accomplishments but also about the manner one leaves his mark on people’s lives and that of animals. Silent acts of kindness proved for him the difference between good leaders and simply profitable corporate winners, with the former having less to do with profit margins than how the world might be better for all.

Goa’s Silent Goodbye

Tata’s death has left behind a legacy much more extensive than that of the industrialist and philanthropist. His life is a reminder of greatness not from what one does but in the good that one extends to others—human or animal. Doing what he did, Tata inspired thousands of people to view animals, especially stray animals, as being loved and cared for just as he did.

Goa’s quiet watch was a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their pets, a bond beyond words and actions. In Ratan Tata, these values have reflected themselves, be it affection, devotion, or a deep veneration for all living beings. This silent moment with his dog during the mourning of the corporate giant is the essence of Tata’s legacy: a legacy of love, loyalty, sympathy, and welfare forever. As the dog silently sat beside Tata’s dead body, there was the feeling of completion, a well-lived life. His legacy of love and loyalty will continue until the very end, and also beyond the rainbow.
*Some images from the Google