My Mother and Ratan Tata - The Lasting Impressions

My Mother and Mr. Ratan Tata – The Lasting Impressions

- Jatin Bagga 

After the news of Mr. Ratan Tata’s passing away was all over, a well-wisher of this web-magazine called to ask why there had been no article on his remarkable life.  Our reply was simple – there was nothing more to add to what was already widely available online. ‘If someone could share a personal experience with Mr. Tata, we would gladly publish it’, we responded. To our surprise, the well-wisher revealed that one of his relative had met Mr. Tata in 2010 during the formative years of his career. At our request, his relative, Jatin sent us this moving piece, which also reflects his feelings towards his mother, who had recently passed away. Please read.

In the vast expanse of human connections, two individuals have shone more brightly in my life than any star: my mother and Mr. Ratan Tata. My mother, who passed away two months ago, was the foundation of our family, embodying quiet strength and boundless compassion. Though her profession was that of a homemaker, she was a philanthropist in her own right. She offered free homeopathy medicine to those in need, often alongside my grandfather, a WHO retiree and a homeopathy doctor. Her kindness touched those society often overlooked, providing a daily example of generosity and empathy. Her passing has left an indescribable void, but her legacy of service will continue to guide us forward.

My admiration for Mr. Ratan Tata arises from similar qualities: humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to welfare of others. Meeting him in 2010 was transformative. During a family visit in Delhi, and thanks to Ms. Dilnaz Gilder, I secured a morning meeting with him in Mumbai (Please see the accompanying image), the day after he met with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Tata greeted me with a heartfelt apology for a slight delay, a gesture of humility and professionalism that left a lasting impression on me. Here was a man, a titan of Indian industry, taking time for someone he barely knew.

When he sat down next to me, he took off his jacket, perhaps to create a more relaxed and comfortable setting, an unexpected gesture that immediately put me at ease. It was clear that Mr. Tata wasn’t just making time; he was fully present, listening, and engaging. Our conversation spanned everything from his interactions with world leaders to his vision for a better India, but what moved me most was his genuine interest in my future. He encouraged me to leverage my education in Computer Science from St. Stephen’s College and my Master’s Degree from Cornell University and to combine technical expertise with broader, transformative experience. His advice to “dream big” was not just rhetoric—it was the wisdom of a mentor invested in the growth of others. He even suggested a role at Tata Consultancy Services and offered to connect me with Mr. Chandrasekaran. Such generosity and warmth left a lasting impression on me.

Mr. Tata’s vision for India transcends personal success. His ventures—ranging from steel to telecommunications, automobiles to energy—have driven the nation’s progress and empowered countless individuals. What sets him apart is his quiet refusal to seek the spotlight, working instead for a stronger, inclusive India. This selfless dedication mirrors my mother’s lifelong generosity, touching lives in profound and quiet ways.

Together, my mother and Mr. Tata epitomize the essence of greatness—impacting lives through compassion, strength, and humility. These extraordinary individuals have shaped my life, teaching me that greatness lies not in titles but in the lives we touch. My mother’s memory and Mr. Tata’s example will forever inspire me to honor their legacy through empathy and service.

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An American citizen born in India, Jatin graduated from Delhi’s St Stephen’s College with a BSc in Computer Science, earned Post Grad Diploma from Oberoi Hotel School and holds a Master’s Degree from Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York. With a career spanning several years in IT Software development, Jatin has played a Techno-Functional and Data Analytics role.  In addition to his professional achievements, he enjoys jogging, hiking, scuba diving, Broadway shows, theater, operas, art and visiting museum. A fun fact about him: he is a vegetarian, non-smoker, and non-alcohol friendly individual who has a particular fondness for desserts.