Ratan Tata’s Trusted Assistant & Friend, Shantanu Naidu’s Heartfelt Post After His Death Goes Viral

Ratan Tata’s sudden demise has left the nation in absolute mourning. His demise has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from people across the world. Social media is flooded with messages honoring his life, leadership, and legacy. Among those paying tribute is Tata’s millennial assistant, Shantanu Naidu, often regarded as his “trusted friend.”

In a touching post on LinkedIn, he bid farewell to the 86-year-old mentor, expressing deep gratitude and sorrow for the loss of a man who had not only shaped businesses but also profoundly impacted lives.

Shantanu Naidu took to LinkedIn and shared a touching post on Ratan Tata’s demise

Ratan Tata’s longtime assistant, Shantanu Naidu, penned a deeply emotional message following the business tycoon and philanthropist’s passing on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital. Admitted due to age-related health issues earlier in the week, Tata’s sudden demise left those close to him, including Naidu, heartbroken.

In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, the 30-year-old entrepreneur and author 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.”

The message was accompanied by an old, hazy photograph of Naidu with Tata, taken inside an airplane. Check it out,

In 2021, Shantanu published a book titled, “I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata”

In his 2021 memoir, I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata, Shantanu Naidu offered readers a rare and intimate look into the personal life of the legendary industrialist.

Shantanu’s book did not focus solely on the business achievements of Ratan Tata rather shared stories of their adventures and moments that revealed the lesser-known sides of Tata. Through this, Naidu highlighted the warmth, humility, and humor of his mentor.

It would not be wrong to say that in light of Tata’s recent passing, Naidu’s tribute takes on an even deeper meaning. No wonder that it is going viral.

More about Shantanu Naidu, who shared more than just a professional bond with Ratan Tata

Shantanu Naidu is the founder of Motopaws and Goodfellows India. Motopaws which was his first project, focuses on reducing accidents involving street dogs by giving them glow-in-the-dark collars. Furthermore, Goodfellows which was his second initiative, connects young people with elderly citizens who need companionship. Both ventures were funded by Ratan Tata, who supported Naidu’s efforts.

Naidu began his journey at Tata as an engineering intern in 2009 and later earned an MBA from Cornell University in 2018. As a fifth-generation Tata employee, he is also on the board of directors at the Tata Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai.

Naidu and Tata shared a strong bond that extended beyond professional ties, grounded in their mutual passion for animal welfare and social causes. This deep connection enriched their friendship which is highly evident in his heartfelt message.

What are your thoughts on the friendship of Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu? Do share via the comments below.