Sir Ratan Tata

I’m not sure why Sir Ratan Tata’s loss seems personal, but I’m pretty sure that this is how we all feel.

Even if we haven’t met him in person, even if we may not have followed his journey or read about him.. somehow, it feels like we lost a member of our family.

I think, in the end, that is what he achieved – a country that he can call family. A family he took care of, a family he stood by in the toughest of times, a family that he served with all his heart, and a family that did not deserve his kindness.

To me, he was and will always be the benchmark entrepreneur. I remember late night debates with my friends on how difficult it is to balance doing the right thing with making money, and almost everytime, the argument ended with, Ratan Tata did it, so can we. He gave me hope that this world is not a bad place, that having a moral compass in business is possible, and that together, we can build a better tomorrow.

Sometimes, we forget the magnitude of impact he had on our country and the inspiration that he has left behind for generations of entrepreneurs.

I regret not running into him at an airport or a conference. But I am confident that I will tell my kids-to-be how I knew him personally, and how he taught me all about life.

Thank you for your service. You were a true Ratan for us, at home and across the world.