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Naidu and Tata’s journey began in 2014 when Naidu devised reflective collars to reduce stray dog accidents.
Shantanu Naidu was a close associate of Ratan Tata. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Shantanu Naidu, who served as Ratan Tata’s trusted executive assistant, holds a special place in Tata’s legacy and is expected to inherit a portion of his estate. Known for their deep connection, Tata reportedly forgave Naidu’s education loan and handed over his ownership in Naidu’s companionship startup, Goodfellows, as part of his legacy. These gestures symbolise the profound trust and camaraderie Tata shared with Naidu, though the details of this arrangement remain private.
Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist and philanthropist, passed away recently in a Mumbai hospital, leaving behind an estate valued at over Rs 10,000 crore.
This significant inheritance underscores Tata’s thoughtfulness toward his family and close associates, with beneficiaries including his brother Jimmy Tata, half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and loyal household staff. Among Tata’s notable assets are a 2,000-square-foot beachfront bungalow in Alibaug, a two-story home on Mumbai’s Juhu Tara Road, fixed deposits worth over Rs 350 crore, and a 0.83% stake in Tata Sons.
In a touching detail, Tata also ensured lifelong care for his beloved German Shepherd, Tito.
A Story of Friendship and Shared Values:
Naidu and Tata’s journey began in 2014 when Naidu, a young engineer at Tata Elxsi, devised reflective collars to reduce stray dog accidents. He wrote Tata, an avid animal lover, explaining his project, hoping to make a difference for the street dogs he cared for.
Tata not only responded to Naidu’s letter but arranged to meet him, sparking a lasting friendship. Impressed by Naidu’s compassion and ingenuity, Tata invited him to work alongside him. Over time, Naidu became not only Tata’s assistant but also the General Manager of his office.
Their shared love for animals was a constant bond throughout the years, with Naidu frequently seen alongside Tata, especially during his later, more private years. The two collaborated on numerous animal welfare projects, their friendship a testament to Tata’s value for empathy, integrity, and shared ideals.
The Tata Sons stake—a crucial piece of the Rs 165-billion conglomerate—will be bequeathed to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), reflecting Tata’s lifelong dedication to philanthropy. True to his values, much of Tata’s will remains private, in line with his humble approach to giving.
