'Grief is the price to pay for love': Shantanu Naidu remembers his 'dear lighthouse' Ratan Tata in heartfelt post
Ratan Tata's passing at the age of 86 has left a profound sense of grief among millions of Indians, reflecting the deep impact he had on our lives. For those fortunate enough to have known him personally, the loss is even more profound. Shantanu Naidu, a 30-year-old who was one of Mr. Tata's closest aides, has shared a heartfelt tribute that captures the essence of their bond and the void left behind.
Shantanu Naidu, founder of the startup Goodfellows, expressed his deep sorrow on LinkedIn, writing: "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."
Shantanu Naidu first captured the public's attention when a heartfelt video of him celebrating Ratan Tata's birthday a couple of years ago went viral, garnering admiration from fans and well-wishers across the nation.?
His warm demeanour and genuine affection for Tata in the video resonated with many, shining?a light on the close bond they shared.
Naidu's journey began after he completed his education, stepping into the professional world as an automobile design engineer at Tata Elxsi in Pune.?
It was here that he encountered a pressing issue: the alarming number of dog fatalities caused by speeding vehicles. This problem sparked a fire within him, inspiring him to innovate a solution that would save lives.?
He envisioned creating collars equipped with lights to enhance dogs' visibility at night, particularly in areas lacking streetlights.
Determined to turn his vision into reality, Naidu crafted a compelling letter to Ratan Tata, detailing his business proposal and seeking support for his endeavor.?
To his surprise and delight, Tata not only responded but also invited Naidu for a face-to-face meeting to discuss the initiative further.?
This pivotal encounter in 2014 marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship between two passionate dog lovers, intertwining their lives in unexpected ways.
As a result of their shared interests and Naidu's dedication, he soon became Ratan Tata's assistant, later rising to the position of general manager.?
Over the past decade, Naidu became a cherished member of Tata's close circle, gaining invaluable insights from the legendary businessman.?
In the last few years of Tata's life, he was often seen accompanied by Naidu during rare public appearances.
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