Ratan Tata’s Will: In a heartwarming revelation that perfectly encapsulates the humanitarian spirit of Ratan Tata, his estimated Rs 10,000 crore estate will benefit not only his family but also extends to his loyal staff and beloved German Shepherd, Tito, according to The Times of India.
Ratan Tata’s Will: Share for dog & butler
The former Tata Sons Chairman, who passed away on October 9 at age 86, has made provisions for “unlimited care” for Tito in his will, entrusting his longtime cook, Rajan Shaw, with the dog’s care. This gesture reflects Tata’s well-documented love for animals, particularly dogs, which defined many of his personal and philanthropic choices throughout his life.
The will, currently awaiting probate at the Bombay High Court, reveals Tata’s characteristic thoughtfulness in providing for those close to him. His loyal butler of over three decades, Subbiah, and executive assistant Shantanu Naidu are among the beneficiaries. Known for his generosity, Tata often purchased designer clothes for both Subbiah and Shaw during their international travels together.
In a particularly magnanimous gesture, Tata relinquished his stake in Goodfellows, Naidu’s companionship venture, and waived the latter’s educational loan for overseas studies. The estate distribution also includes bequests to his brother Jimmy Tata and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jeejabhoy.
What are Ratan Tata’s substantial assets?
Ratan Tata’s substantial assets include a 2,000-square-foot beach bungalow in Alibaug, a two-storey house on Mumbai’s Juhu Tara road, fixed deposits exceeding Rs 350 crore, and a 0.83% stake in Tata Sons.
The stake will be transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), while his numerous awards and recognitions will be preserved at the Tata Central Archives for future generations.
Tito: Ratan Tata’s beloved dog
Tito, adopted around six years ago following the death of Tata’s previous dog of the same name, represents the industrialist’s enduring commitment to animal welfare. This commitment was evident in July 2023 when Tata inaugurated India’s first Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including ICUs, HDUs, CT scans, X-Rays, and MRI services.
His dedication to his pets once prompted him to skip receiving an award from Prince Charles in 2018 due to an ailing dog. The Prince’s response captured the essence of Tata’s character: “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is.”
Ratan Tata’s Will: A Legacy for All
The provisions in Tata’s will mirror his lifelong principles of caring for both humans and animals. His relationship with Naidu began through a startup focused on stray dogs, further illustrating how his love for animals influenced both his personal and professional decisions.
This final testament stands as a powerful reminder of Ratan Tata’s multifaceted legacy – one that encompasses not only his business acumen but also his deep compassion for those around him, regardless of their species or station in life.
