From Empathy to Philanthropy: Ratan Tata’s Legacy for Animal Welfare!

Ratan Tata is widely regarded as one of the most towering figures in India’s history. An industrialist and businessman, he served as the chairman of the Tata group from 1990 to 2012, making revenues skyrocket. His business ventures undeniably played a massive part in shaping in his legacy, but his kindness and empathy cemented it. 

Yes, he was an industrialist, but he was also a philanthropist, famed for his humility and approachability. His dedication to various social causes, animal welfare in particular, are commendable; creating modern veterinary facilities for sick animals and instructing premises owned by him to cater to stray animals demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect towards all living beings.

That Time He Chose His Pet Over Royal Recognition  

Being invited to be honoured by real-life royalty isn’t something that happens daily. In 2018, Mr. Tata was invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a lifetime award from the then-Prince of Wales, Prince Charles III (who serves as the King of the United Kingdom today). For any other person, it would be a landmark achievement to be recognized in such a manner. 

Mr Tata, on the other hand, chose not to go. Not out of arrogance mind you - He cancelled his trip at the last moment because his dog was seriously ill. He told his friend Suhel Seth, “Tango and Tito, my dogs—one of them had fallen terribly ill. I can’t leave him and come.” Seth shared that King Charles III was impressed and remarked, “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan Tata is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is. That’s why it’s on a stable course”.

Completing a Lifetime Dream: The Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital

On July 1, 2024, Mr. Tata accomplished a personal goal by inaugurating the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai. This facility is one of the few spaces providing 24x7 care for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals & house pets. 

In an interview with the Times of India, Ratan Tata spoke about the inauguration. “A pet is no different from a member of one’s family today. As the guardian of several pets throughout my life, I recognize the need for this hospital.”  He also spoke about the struggles he faced while attempting to arrange a joint replacement procedure for his dog before flying his dog to the University of Minnesota in the US. “I was too late, and so they froze the dog’s joint in a particular position. That experience enabled me to see what a world-class veterinary hospital was equipped to do”.

That experience was a cornerstone in his beliefs that Mumbai should have a veterinary hospital as well; however, he could only get started on his pet project once he had the time to do so, after hanging up his cap as the Chairman of Tata Sons back in 2012. More than a decade later in 2024, his ambition finally came to fruition, and his veterinary hospital continues to contribute to his legacy of animal welfare. 

The Small Animal Hospital is a not-for-profit project with an investment of 165 crores, providing 24/7 emergency services for critically ill animals and spanning an impressive 98,000 square feet. This state-of-the-art facility features advanced technology, including Intensive Care Units (ICUs), High Dependency Units (HDUs), CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasound machines. It also offers specialized treatments in areas like dermatology, dental care, and ophthalmology, ensuring comprehensive care for its patients.

VIP Treatment for All Animals, Pets and Otherwise

Early in 2024, Pictures and videos of a stray guest in Ratan Tata’s Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai went going viral, showing a dog sleeping peacefully in the shade of a tree during scorching afternoon hours. The photos were initially shared by an employee of the hotel, expressing their surprise and happiness that stray dogs are treated with the same hospitality as guests. 

When asked about it, the hotel said Mr. Tata has issued express instructions related to stray animals and their treatment. Animals are free to come and go (at the Taj, Bombay House HQ & most of their premises), with staff caring for them as they would a guest. Mr. Tata even had a dedicated space constructed for such animals, giving them a safe space away from the street. 

Mr. Tata's commitment to animal welfare has inspired countless people. Senior Police Inspector Sudir Kudalkar of the Mumbai police was especially moved by Tata’s compassionate treatment of stray dogs and wanted to follow his example. 

Kudalkar, who founded the Pure Animal Lovers Foundation to rescue animals, shared, “As a prominent industrialist, I have always admired Mr. Tata's humility, his down-to-earth nature, and his love for stray dogs. While many people wouldn’t even allow strays on their property, he opened the doors of the Taj Hotel and all Tata offices to them, which really touched my heart. When someone as esteemed as him advocates for the welfare of voiceless animals, it inspires me and many others to continue his legacy.”

28th December marks what would have been his 87th birthday. Happy birthday, Mr. Tata, and thank you for being a voice for those who lack one.