Ratan Tata: A legacy of grace, grit, and goodness

There are few individuals who have defined Indian industry and leadership as profoundly as Ratan Tata. A visionary who built trust before empires, he proved that business excellence and human compassion need not stand apart they can, and must, strengthen each other.

It has been a year since we lost him, and yet, his presence continues to illuminate what it truly means to lead with purpose, humility, and grace.

I vividly remember the first time I met him. I had driven into Mumbai straight from a board meeting in Pune two hours early, nervous, excited, and unsure of what to say to a man whose name had become synonymous with India’s industrial legacy.

As I waited, I thought about the Tata Group, a 150-year-old institution that remains a symbol of trust and integrity. I remembered reading Beyond the Last Blue Mountain, J.R.D. Tata’s biography, and wondering how anyone could possibly fill those shoes.

Ratan Tata did — not through authority, but through authenticity.

When the meeting began, my anxiety vanished. He was gracious, curious, and disarmingly warm. Within minutes, we were deep in conversation about India’s startup opportunity. Encouraged by his openness, I asked if he would consider being an advisor to Kalaari Capital. He agreed marking the beginning of a personal association I will cherish forever.

Every interaction with him reinforced my belief that true greatness lies in humility. He would arrive for meetings with a docket in hand — always prepared, always attentive and always learning.

When I interviewed him at the launch of our seed initiative, Kstart, his words carried quiet wisdom:

“Ideas come when you see a problem. Find problems to solve and put your energy into creating ventures out of those thoughts.”

Behind every insight was his humanity, his belief that business must serve before it sells.

Ratan Tata stood tall not because of his success, but because of his soul.

He reminded us that leadership is about purpose, not power; about staying rooted in values even as you reach for the skies.

Thank you, Ratan Tata for showing us not just how great companies are built, but how greater good is the true purpose of our existence.

(Vani Kola is the Managing Director of Kalaari Capital.)

Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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