Naina Lal Kidwai writes: What set Ratan Tata apart

It is impossible to fully capture all that Ratan Tata (RNT, as he was affectionately called) embodied — words cannot adequately describe a person of his stature and qualities. So, I would prefer to recount a few incidents where RNT left an indelible mark on me.

 

He was a remarkable ambassador for India. His sophistication and ability to connect with people from all over the world as a global citizen put everyone at ease. Over the years, I brought many global business leaders to meet him — people who had met prime ministers and business leaders from around the world went away awed after meeting RNT. In fact, a visit to India was incomplete without a meeting with him on the itinerary — he represented the very best of India. They were all struck by his vision, his frankness, his humility, his grace, and his humour. Meetings were typically conducted alone, with at most a note-taker, always on time, and he always walked with us to the lift to see us off. Over time, I learned from him what it takes to be a tall leader and an ambassador for India.

 

RNT’s humility was extraordinary, accompanied by a quiet shyness in the early years. He would greet a lift-man or a waiter at a restaurant with the same respect he showed any dignitary. He carried his own (heavy!) bag onto the aircraft — never one to have people fussing over him. Relaxed and chatting in a corner with Zia Modi and myself at the airport as we waited to board a delayed flight. I chaired the Harvard Business School South Asia Advisory Board, where he was also a member, with some initial trepidation at his presence — his support made it so easy for me in a short period of time.