Ratan Tata's unforgettable gesture as he knelt on the floor with MBA graduates for a group photo | On trend

The nation mourns Ratan Tata, the 86-year-old chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, who passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday. His legacy as a visionary leader and industrial giant who was instrumental in shaping India's modern business landscape has left an indelible mark on the country. Tributes poured in from around the world to recognize his contributions and humble personality.

(Also Read: 'Sea of ​​Blue' on Ratan Tata's final journey as Tata employees line up to pay their last respects)

However, one particular tribute stood out and quickly went viral. A post on LinkedIn by a user named Tony Sebastian, who identified himself as a 2012 TAS graduate, recounted a touching moment he shared with Ratan Tata during his final days as the group's chairman. The post included a photo of Tata kneeling in the front row of a group photo with MBA graduates – an image that captured the humility and grace that Tata embodied throughout his life.

A picture that says more than a thousand words

In his post, Sebastian described the significance of this moment saying: “This image is a paradox. It shows many smiling faces, but the subject of this photo is missing. This image does not show the chair, which was originally the focal point of the frame. You will not be told how the chair was removed. And why this moment remains in the memory of everyone who experienced it…”

Sebastian went on to share how, after a meeting with 52 recent MBA graduates, Tata walked into the room where a group photo had been set up for him with a chair in the middle. Instead of sitting down, Tata took the chair, pushed it out of the frame and knelt in the front row next to the graduates. “Sir, sir… no, sir,” protested 52 voices at once, but Tata just smiled, waved and knelt.

This simple but profound gesture, according to Sebastian, embodied the reason why people who worked under Tata's leadership did so with so much dedication and sincerity. It was a moment that encapsulated Tata's philosophy of humility and his belief in treating people as equals.

Check out the post here:

Internet reacts to viral post

The post quickly gained attention on LinkedIn, with users flooding the comments section. One user commented: “That's why he will always be remembered – such humility in a world full of egos.” Another commented: “Tata's leadership wasn't just about the business but also about the people. He led by example.”

(Also Read: Ratan Tata's dog Goa visits NCPA to pay tribute to the man who took him to Bombay House)

A third user shared: “This story gave me goosebumps. A true hero who didn't need to proclaim his greatness,” while another simply said, “We lost a gem.” Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment.”