India lamented the loss of one of its most cherished industrialists, a “truly uncommon leader,” Ratan Tata, who passed away recently and left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and inspirational leadership. It certainly makes sense that the loyal and appreciative Tata employees would grieve the passing of a compassionate and generous super-boss. Also, the elites of various spheres of society politics, entertainment, sports, or business – who had the chance to interact closely with the chairman or chairman emeritus of the conglomerate would naturally express their condolences and offer tributes. But it’s just amazing how many common people who aren’t even closely related to the Tata Group – are honouring Ratan Tata.

This seems rather unusual. It’s true that the Tata Group, under the stewardship of Ratan Tata, generously funded several philanthropic works. However, that could provide the benefiting parties with a stake limited to a particular quantity. Furthermore, Tatas typically follow rules and laws when operating their enterprises. That could give them some moral credibility in the eyes of the general public. But that simply fails to explain common people’s overall attitude.

How would one characterise the man Ratan Tata? Tata was described as a “modest, reserved, and even shy man” with a “stately calm” and “fierce discipline” by Peter Casey, the author of The Story of Tata. It’s interesting to note that Ratan Tata got the moniker “Millennial Dumbledore” thanks to Shantanu Naidu, his young assistant. Naidu began working closely with the industrialist in 2018. Naidu’s 2021 book I Came Upon a Lighthouse: Short Stories of Life with Ratan Tata is a light-hearted account of this unusual relationship between a millennial and an octogenarian that sheds light on a well-known Indian icon. Again, though, that’s mostly through a personal prism. Undoubtedly, a lot of ordinary people who are flooding the internet with their tributes were unable to comprehend the true nature of the Millennial Dumbledore.

© The Statesman