Veteran industrialist and honorary head of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata, passes away on Wednesday night at the age of 86 after receiving care at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. The news leaves the nation in mourning as people bid him farewell with tearful eyes.
Shantanu Naidu, who closely accompanies Tata in recent years, shares an emotional tribute on LinkedIn. “I will spend my whole life trying to fill the emptiness that this friendship has left in me now. Grief is the price to be paid for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse,” Naidu expresses, capturing the depth of their bond.
At just 30 years old, Naidu gains recognition for his friendship with Tata, frequently appearing in viral videos that showcase their camaraderie. In one touching clip from Ratan Tata’s birthday, Naidu feeds him cake and shares a warm moment, illustrating their strong connection despite having no familial ties.
Born in Pune, Naidu earns his engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University in 2014, followed by an MBA from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management in 2016. He launches his career as an automobile design engineer at Tata Elxsi and works at Tata Trust since June 2017, where he currently serves as the Deputy General Manager.
Naidu first captures Ratan Tata’s attention in 2014 when he raises concerns about the deaths of dogs caused by high-speed vehicles. Tata is impressed by Naidu’s ideas and seeks to meet him, leading to a lasting friendship.
In addition to his professional roles, Shantanu Naidu becomes a well-known social media influencer and author, publishing a book titled I Came Upon a Lighthouse, which reflects on Ratan Tata’s life and legacy.
As the country mourns the loss of a beloved leader, Shantanu Naidu’s tribute underscores the profound impact Ratan Tata has on those around him, both personally and professionally.