Ratan Tata, the esteemed former chairman of Tata Sons, who passed away in October 2024, has posthumously demonstrated his characteristic generosity and thoughtfulness through the provisions of his will. The document reveals significant allocations to his long-serving staff, close associates, and even his beloved pet, reflecting his deep appreciation for those who contributed to his personal and professional life.
Generous Bequests to Long-Serving Staff
In recognition of their dedicated service, Ratan Tata allocated substantial sums to his household and office staff:
- Rajan Shaw (Cook): Bequeathed just over ₹1 crore, which includes a loan waiver of ₹51 lakh. lakh.
- Delnaz Gilder (Secretary): Granted ₹10 lakh in acknowledgment of her service.
Additionally, Tata directed that ₹15 lakh be distributed among domestic servants who had been with him for seven years or more, proportionate to their years of service. Part-time helpers and car cleaners were also remembered, with ₹1 lakh earmarked for distribution among them.
Loan Waivers and Educational Support
Demonstrating his commitment to the well-being and advancement of his associates, Tata forgave several loans:
- Shantanu Naidu (Executive Assistant): A ₹1 crore loan extended for his MBA at Cornell University was waived.
- Raju Leon (Driver): Received a ₹1.5 lakh bequest along with an ₹18 lakh loan waiver.
These gestures underscore Tata’s dedication to the personal growth and financial stability of those around him.
Provision for Beloved Pet
An ardent animal lover, Tata made specific provisions for his German Shepherd, Tito. He allocated ₹12 lakh for Tito’s care, with ₹30,000 to be disbursed every quarter. Tito’s continued well-being was entrusted to cook Rajan Shaw, ensuring the pet remained in familiar and caring hands.
Philanthropic Endeavors and Distribution of Personal Belongings
Beyond individual bequests, Tata’s philanthropic spirit was evident:
- Charitable Foundations: The bulk of his ₹3,800-crore estate was endowed to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust, aiming to continue his legacy of charitable work.
- Clothing Donations: He directed that his wardrobe, featuring brands like Brooks Brothers, Hermes, Polo, Daks, and Brioni, be donated to NGOs for distribution among the underprivileged.
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