A tribute to the legend - Ratan Tata

I am mesmerized by how someone as rich, intelligent, and enthusiastic managing India's largest conglomerate can be so simple, humble, and down to earth. I never met Ratan Tata, but he inspired me countless times. I can't comprehend in words, his contribution to India and the world. The unsurmountable tasks that he performed for the country will and should inspire for generations to come, like his great-grant father Jamshedji Tata, and uncle J.R.D Tata. He walked with integrity and determination to change the world. And the world did change through his efforts, vision, courage, actions, and unnerving dedication to society.

It's hard to envision what I and the larger society would have been if not for the efforts of Tata's to build a nation through education, health care, business, arts, hospitality, research, and of course philanthropy. The first time I learned the word 'philanthropist' in school, it was defined as what the Tata's do for the people. Over the years, I learned and read more about Tata's contribution to building India. I marvelled at how they did it. They faced challenges and made hard decisions, but they were also the most humble and caring individuals who inspired everyone on their way.

 I remember, once on a train ride, an old businessman said that Ratan Tata would have been the richest person in the country if he had not been so selfless, humble, and ever-generous. Ratan Tata dedicated all he had - time, energy, intelligence, wealth, and kind heart to the Tata group, the nation, and the common people. During the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, he showed the world how a leader should behave and handle situations in a calm and composed manner. It touched me beyond words how he managed to visit the homes of each of the victims to share their grief and give every possible help. That is why he used to say 'Leadership is about taking decisions and not making excuses. There are endless stories like these from millions of people he touched in his life time. I wonder how someone as eminent and noble as Ratan Tata could be so graceful, humble, and kind-hearted. They don't make people like him anymore.

With his passing, it's the end of an era. A loss not only to the nation but to all humanity. The world is seriously short of good, humble decisive leaders like him. He was truly a 'Ratan' (gem) for India and the world. It's a blessing for all of us and those who will come later for generations to have had him and his unthinkable contributions. I hope even if we learn one of his qualities and walk on his path, that would be a true tribute to the legend.

Salute to the legend, rest in peace, Sir.