Meet The 30-year Old Who Was The Closest Companion And Most Trusted Assistant Of 86–Year Old Ratan Tata

India bid farewell to a beloved icon, Ratan Tata on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. The business icon passed away, leaving behind a legacy that has deeply impacted not only the business world but also the hearts of millions. Ratan Tata, renowned for transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate, will forever be remembered for his humility, kindness, and philanthropic efforts. However, one of the lesser-known aspects of his life was his unique friendship with Shantanu Naidu, a millennial who became not only his trusted assistant but also his closest companion.

Who Is Shantanu Naidu?

Shantanu Naidu, a 30-year-old from Pune, Maharashtra, is a remarkable individual in his own right. After completing his engineering degree at Savitribai Phule Pune University in 2014, Naidu started his career as an intern at Tata Elxsi, one of the many companies under the Tata Group. Following his stint at Tata Elxsi, Naidu pursued an MBA from the prestigious Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, where he excelled in leadership roles and gained valuable experience. His dedication and talent did not go unnoticed, and it was during this time that his journey with Ratan Tata began.

How Did Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu Form a Close Bond?

The connection between Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu started in a rather unexpected way. While working as a design engineer at Tata Elxsi in 2014, Naidu witnessed a heartbreaking scene – a dog lying lifeless in the middle of the road. This moment he ignited his passion for helping stray dogs, leading him to design a dog collar with reflectors to prevent such accidents. However, raising funds for this project proved to be a challenge.

Encouraged by his father, Naidu wrote a letter to Ratan Tata, explaining his idea. Although initially hesitant, Naidu was pleasantly surprised when he received a response two months later. He soon met with Tata, and although they refrained from asking for immediate financial help, Tata later chose to invest in the project, which grew into what Naidu describes as a “Ratan Tata-backed startup.” Over time, their bond strengthened, with Naidu taking on the role of Tata’s manager in 2018, managing various projects and responsibilities under Tata’s guidance.

Shantanu Naidu’s Ventures

Apart from his role at Tata Trust, Naidu also founded a business named Goodfellows, a company that provides companionship and assistance to the elderly, allowing them to live their later years with dignity. With a reported net worth of Rs 5 crore, Goodfellows is a testament to Naidu’s commitment to making a difference in society, a value he undoubtedly learned from his mentor.

Following Ratan Tata’s passing, Naidu took to LinkedIn to express his deep sorrow. He shared a heartfelt picture of himself with Tata and wrote, “The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse.”

Ratan Tata may be gone, but his legacy, his values, and the impact he left on those around him, including Shantanu Naidu, will live on for generations to come.

Also read: Who Will Lead the Tata Empire After Ratan Tata? Meet the Leading front-Runners in the Race