‘Where will the dogs go…’: Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran recalls his unforgettable moments with Ratan Tata in a heartfelt post – Times of India

N Chandrasekaranchairman of Tata Sons has shared heartfelt reflections on the life and legacy of Ratan Tatarevealing the deep humanity, warmth and vision of the industrialist. “Everyone who met Mr Tata left with a story of his humanity, warmth and dreams for India. There really was no one like him,” Chandrasekaran said in a LinkedIn post, highlighting the personal influence Tata had on those around him.
Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Groupdied on October 9 at the age of 86. He turned the Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse through landmark acquisitions during his tenure.
Known for his business acumen, integrity and work ethic, Tata grew the family business into a global empire. Under his leadership, the group’s revenue exceeded $100 billion in 2011-12, cementing its status as a global powerhouse.
Chandrasekaran shared how his relationship with Tata has evolved over the years, beginning with business interactions and growing into a more personal relationship. Although they often discussed cars, hotels and business matters, Tata’s attention extended beyond these topics.
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“When our conversations turned to other matters – those of everyday life – he showed how much he noticed and felt,” reflects Chandrasekaran. He noted that Tata was a man who had to be discovered slowly, through experience, a trait that was also evident in his approach to leadership.
Chandrasekaran, shared an unforgettable experience from 2017 when he collaborated with Ratan Tata to resolve a long-standing wage dispute between Tata Motors and the employee union. During a meeting with union leaders, Tata expressed regret for the delay in resolving the issue, explained the challenges facing the company and promised a quick resolution.
“Mr Tata’s guidance focused on making sure the employees were well looked after – not only to resolve the dispute, but also to ensure their and their families’ well-being,” Chandrasekaran said, noting how Tata’s compassion for employees is a defining feature across all Tata Group companies.
Chandrasekaran also shared an anecdote about the renovation of Tata’s iconic headquarters, Bombay House. When Chandrasekaran approached Tata about the renovation plans, Tata’s primary concern was the welfare of the stray dogs that had become a familiar sight at the front desk.
Dad asked, “Can I ask you something? When you say ‘renovate’ do you mean ‘release’?…Where will the dogs go?” Chandrasekaran assured Tata that a kennel would be built for the dogs, which seemed to please him.
“When the Bombay House renovations were completed, Mr. Tata wanted to see the kennel first,” recalls Chandrasekaran.
Tata’s satisfaction with the kennel’s thoughtful design was a reminder of his attention to detail and the values ​​that guided him. “Seeing his happiness with the kennel … was confirmation that we did the right thing.”
Chandrasekaran also highlighted Tata’s extraordinary memory and strong attention to detail.
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As Chandrasekaran continues to come to terms with Tata’s absence, he concludes with a powerful reflection: “His eye saw everything clearly, as his mind saw everything clearly.” These words underscore Tata’s legacy as a visionary leader who not only shaped India’s industrial landscape , but also touched the lives of countless people with his thoughtfulness and empathy.
Below is the full text of N Chandrasekaran’s LinkedIn post:
Everyone who met Mr Tata spoke of his humanity, warmth and dreams for India. There really was no one like him.
Our relationship grew over the years, first focusing on business and eventually becoming a more personal relationship. We discussed interests ranging from cars to hotels, but when our conversations turned to other matters – those of everyday life – he showed how much he noticed and felt. He was a man to be discovered over time and through experience.
I remember several such cases.
Just after I became chairman, I was made aware of a situation at Tata Motors which involved a dispute between the company and the employees’ union over wages for two years. In March 17, Mr. Tata and I met together with the union leaders. During the meeting, Mr. Tata conveyed three messages: He regretted the delay in finding a solution. He explained that the company was going through difficulties. We both committed that this dispute would be over within two weeks.
Mr Tata’s guidance focused squarely on making sure employees were well looked after – not just to resolve the dispute, but to ensure their and their families’ well-being. In the other companies of the group, his view of employees was the same. This is something that has shaped a number of our leaders in the Group.
Around the same time, I expressed a desire to renovate our headquarters, Bombay House. Bombay House has not been touched since 1924 and more importantly (as many people have told me) Mr Tata will not like it. “Bombay House is a temple,” I was told, emphasizing its sanctity.
When I finally mentioned Bombay House to Mr. Tata, he said, “Can I ask you something? When you say ‘renovate’ do you mean ‘release’?’
I explained that we were planning to move everyone to a nearby office.
He gently clarified, “Where will the dogs go?”
Dogs were an integral part of Bombay House and were often seen at reception.
“We’re going to build a kennel.”
“Really?” he said, considering it.
When the renovation of Bombay House was completed, Mr. Tata wanted to see the kennel first.
He was very happy to see how well thought out the design of the kennel was and how well the dogs would be cared for.
Seeing his happiness from the kennel and his priorities was a reminder that while the big projects are important, it’s the details that reveal how we think, what we prioritize, and how we’re perceived. His joy was confirmation that we had done the right thing.
If Mr. Tata had ever visited a place, he could remember everything from the placement of the smallest piece of furniture, the lighting, the colors, etc. His memory was photographic. He remembered the covers and contents of books and magazines and referred to them even years later. He was always observing and processing, from big ideas to small details.
There is so much more to be said about who he was, but for now, as I consider his absence, I will have to do this: His eye saw everything clearly, as his mind saw everything clearly.