Youngest GM of Tata Trust, Shantanu Naidu, Mourns the Loss of Ratan Tata - Read Now

On October 9, 2024, India lost one of its most respected industrialists, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. Tata passed away at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted due to age-related health issues. Among those mourning his loss is Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata's youngest general manager at Tata Trust and one of his closest confidants.

Shantanu Naidu, who had formed a deep bond with the legendary business tycoon, shared a touching tribute to Tata on LinkedIn. In his emotional farewell post, Naidu 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 to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse."

Naidu, just 29 years old, has been working alongside Ratan Tata since May 2022 and was seen as more than just an employee — he was a trusted companion. Their relationship grew from a shared love for animals, especially dogs. Naidu, an engineer from Pune, initially caught Ratan Tata’s attention through a unique project he launched to create reflective collars for stray dogs to keep them safe from traffic at night.

After Naidu wrote a letter to Tata outlining his idea, Tata personally invited him for a meeting. That meeting marked the beginning of a close friendship and professional partnership. Naidu later became Tata’s assistant and gained recognition across the industry. Tata treated Shantanu like a son, despite having never married himself.

Shantanu Naidu is now the youngest general manager at Tata Trust, where he continues to lead various projects. In addition to his work with Tata, Naidu launched a startup called Goodfellows, which provides companionship to the elderly. Ratan Tata personally invested in the startup, which is now valued at approximately ₹5 crore.

Naidu’s tribute to Tata serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the two, showcasing not only a professional relationship but a bond filled with respect, admiration, and love.

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