Why Ratan Tata considered his millennial friend Shantanu Naidu his ‘good fellow’? Their special bond was because…
Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, recently passed away at the age of 86, leaving India to mourn the loss of this beloved business icon. Among those deeply affected by his passing was Shantanu Naidu, Tata’s protégé and youngest general manager. In a heartfelt LinkedIn tribute, Naidu referred to Tata as his “lighthouse,” expressing the profound impact their relationship had on him. He 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 we pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse.”
Ratan Tata and Shantau’s mutual love for dogs
Naidu’s journey with Tata began in 2014, united by their mutual love for dogs. As a fifth-generation Tata employee, Naidu sought Tata’s help in designing glow-in-the-dark collars for stray dogs to enhance their safety. Just two months later, he was invited to Mumbai to collaborate on this initiative, which evolved into the startup Motopaws.
Their friendship blossomed as they worked together on various animal welfare projects, with Tata’s support being instrumental in the launch of Motopaws. Naidu fondly referred to Tata as his “Millennial Dumbledore,” recognizing the wisdom and compassion he found in him.
Beyond Motopaws, Naidu also founded Good Fellows, a startup dedicated to pairing elderly individuals with younger companions. He shared his motivation on the company’s website, expressing his admiration for older generations and noting that many of his close friends had “silver hair and hearts of gold.”
Shantanu’s path to becoming a manager at Tata
After completing his MBA at Cornell University, Shantanu Naidu returned to India, fulfilling his promise to Ratan Tata that he would work for Tata Trusts following graduation. True to his commitment, he joined Tata as his assistant in 2018, marking the beginning of his role as the youngest manager at Tata Trusts. Their shared connection through Cornell University—where Tata obtained his architecture degree in 1962—further strengthened their bond.
Tata’s involvement in Naidu’s life was evident when he attended Naidu’s graduation ceremony, showcasing the deep personal relationship. As Naidu transitioned from mentee to trusted assistant and eventually to general manager, Tata’s mentorship went beyond just professional advice; it encompassed personal encouragement and support.
Outside of managing Tata’s affairs, Naidu remained dedicated to creating socially impactful platforms and services, often spurred on by Tata’s encouragement. One notable initiative he launched was Goodfellows, a subscription-based companionship service for senior citizens, which debuted in 2022, reflecting Naidu’s commitment to addressing social needs.
On the Goodfellows website, Naidu remarked, “I don’t know when it began, but I’ve always had a sense of affection for the elderly.” This sentiment resonated with Tata, who shared a similar empathy for others. Tata’s support for this initiative was evident; he attended the launch event despite health challenges.
Naidu documented his friendship with Ratan Tata
Naidu documented their friendship and the lessons learned in his book, “Came Upon A Lighthouse.” Their relationship was enriched by shared experiences, ranging from watching films together to enjoying everyday activities like getting haircuts.
The two shared a fondness for action-comedy films and often engaged in discussions about their passions.
What Shantanu Naidu gets from Ratan Tata’s will
Ratan Tata’s will, estimated to be worth over ₹10,000 crore, contains several specific provisions for Shantanu Naidu. According to a report from The Times of India, Tata relinquished his stake in Naidu’s startup, Goodfellows, and waived any outstanding education loans that Naidu incurred while studying abroad. Additionally, the will includes arrangements for Tata’s beloved German Shepherd, Tito, ensuring he receives “unlimited care” after Tata’s passing.