Ratan Tata's assistant Shantanu Naidu shares farewell post for national icon: 'Grief is the price one has to pay…' | On trend

Ratan Tata's trusted assistant Shantanu Naidu mourned the loss of the national icon in a post shared this morning. Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India's largest conglomerates, died late on Wednesday evening after a short illness. He was 86.

The death of Ratan Tata, a towering icon of industry and philanthropy, is a national loss mourned by business tycoons like Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka. However, for those closest to him, it also brings with it a sense of personal grief.

In his LinkedIn post, Ratan Tata's close associate Shantanu Naidu reflected not on his many business achievements but on their close friendship.

“I will spend the rest of my life filling the void that this friendship has left in me.” Grief is the price of love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse,” wrote the 30-year-old general manager at Ratan Tata’s office. He also shared a throwback photo showing the two together.

Shantanu Naidu's unlikely friendship with Ratan Tata blossomed from their shared love of animals. The two met in 2014 when Naidu developed reflective collars to protect stray dogs from car accidents at night. Impressed by his initiative, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons invited Naidu to work for him.

Over the last 10 years, Shantanu Naidu became a close and trusted friend of Ratan Tata, who never married and had no children.

In his final years, Ratan Tata was often accompanied by Naidu during his rare public appearances.

Ratan Tata's death

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 86.

In a statement, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the company leader left his mark not just on the Tata Group but on the entire fabric of the nation.

Read his full statement below:

It is with a deep sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly unusual leader whose immeasurable contributions shaped not only the Tata Group but also the fabric of our nation.”

“For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than just a chairman. For me he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by his example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group, under his leadership, has expanded its global presence while always remaining true to its moral compass.”

“Mr. Tata's commitment to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions of people. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit future generations. All the work has been inspired by Mr. Tata's genuine humility empowered in every single interaction.”

On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

“His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately espoused.”