Opening The Rift
therift
© 2026 The Rift. All Rights Reserved.
I Came Upon a Lighthouse
The true measure of character lies in the seemingly ordinary details of everyday conduct, revealing a man of warmth, humility, empathy and quiet dignity.
Key Takeaways
1 of 3
Automatically generated. Read full article for complete context.
In the vast, dark expanse of the ocean, a lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope and direction, guiding ships towards the shore. Much the same is true of certain individuals who illuminate our otherwise bewildering journey through life, offering guidance and inspiration. For Shantanu Naidu, a young man navigating his way through the complexities of life, Ratan Tata was precisely such a guiding light. In I Came Upon a Lighthouse, Shantanu recounts, with profound affection, admiration and gratitude, the years he spent in the company of this extraordinary man.
The memoir revolves around two characters. The first is Ratan Tata, a man of immense wealth and stature, and the head of one of India’s oldest business conglomerates. The second is Shantanu, an enthusiastic young engineer whose compassion extends beyond human beings to the voiceless creatures that share our world, particularly stray dogs. He is deeply troubled by the sight of countless dogs being run over by speeding vehicles on the roads. Yet, unlike those who merely lament their fate or rail against the indifference of the system, Shantanu chooses to translate his concern into constructive action. With the assistance of a few friends, he develops an ingenious innovation: specially designed collars for stray dogs that reflect light and glow in the darkness, making the animals visible to motorists and thereby reducing the risk of fatal accidents. To take this initiative forward, Shantanu writes to Ratan Tata. Tata is moved by the young man’s initiative and extends support to his NGO. What begins as a request for financial assistance gradually blossoms into a remarkable relationship; first that of mentor and protégé, then colleagues, and eventually, two friends bound by mutual affection and respect.
One of the book’s most compelling insights is that a person’s position in society may constitute a part of his identity, but it can never encompass the entirety of his personality. Titles, honours, wealth and public acclaim may distinguish an individual in the eyes of the world; yet the true measure of character lies in the seemingly ordinary details of everyday conduct. How does a person treat those who work under him? How does he respond to the suffering of the vulnerable? Does he possess the humility to listen, the patience to understand another’s perspective? It is through such seemingly insignificant gestures that the deeper contours of a personality reveal themselves. Seen through Shantanu’s eyes, Ratan Tata emerges not merely as an industrial titan, but as a man of warmth, humility, empathy and quiet dignity.
When Shantanu first met Tata, his instinct was to bend down and touch his feet as a mark of reverence. Tata, however, gently discouraged him before embracing the young man with unmistakable paternal affection.
As their relationship grew closer, Shantanu approached Tata for a letter of recommendation to support his application for admission to Harvard University in the United States. One can imagine the weight such a recommendation from Tata might have carried. Yet Shantanu was denied admission and Shantanu was deeply disturbed. Recalling the episode, he describes how Tata consoled and explained him that the particular failure did not mean much in the grand scheme of things. It was just a minor setback in the path to achieving something greater. Tata reawakened Shantanu’s self-confidence. Soon the young an secured admission to Cornell University, on own merit and without any recommendation.
Even while pursuing his studies in the United States, Shantanu remained in regular correspondence with Tata. He expressed his desire to work with the Tata Trusts, a request that Tata readily welcomed. Without assuming any overt responsibility, Tata had, in a sense, taken this young man under his wing. Their relationship had acquired the quiet closeness of a familial bond. Whenever Tata travelled to the US, he would make it a point to invite Shantanu to meet him.
On one such occasion, Shantanu’s parents were also visiting him in the United States. They extended an invitation to Tata for dinner, which he graciously accepted. The image is particularly endearing: one of India’s wealthiest industrialists accepting the hospitality of a modest, middle-class family. For Shantanu and his parents, the occasion was simply extraordinary. Their excitement and delight were palpable.
The following day was Shantanu’s university graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, owing to unforeseen circumstances, Tata could not attend, much as he would have liked to. Yet his absence did little to diminish the significance of the occasion for Shantanu. Wearing his graduation gown and the cap, he stood before his mentor. Tata stood up and greeted him with affection
Upon returning to India, Shantanu embarked on his professional journey. Tata’s personal office was a remarkably small establishment, comprising only a handful of people. The author fondly recalls his three female colleagues; Parizaad, Deepthi and Denese with a touch of playful mischief, yet with unmistakable gratitude and respect. The three women and Shantanu would often have lunch together, meals that Tata would humorously describe as ‘luxury banquet’. Such little anecdotes offer delightful glimpses into the informal and affectionate atmosphere that surrounded him.
Tata invariably introduced Shantanu to others as his ‘colleague’. He could easily have called him his assistant or junior, and no one would have questioned the designation. Yet this choice of words was more than an expression of personal modesty; it also reflected the managerial wisdom. By addressing a junior co-worker as an equal, a leader implicitly communicates trust, dignity and a sense of shared responsibility.
It was seldom easy to fathom what was going on in Tata’s mind during meetings. Shantanu, however, gradually learnt to understand his expectations, both spoken and unspoken. One lesson, in particular, became central to his professional training: read every document meticulously, and when preparing a summary, examine the larger context rather than getting lost in superficial details. Shantanu recalls how Tata taught him to be ready for several answers for a given question. Tata instilled in him the desire to be perfect, expert and honest. Shantanu kept wondering how a man of such formidable intelligence, refinement and charm could also possess such an extraordinarily tender heart.
The Covid lockdown offered another revealing glimpse into Tata’s character. Confined to his residence in Colaba, he continued to attend to official matters, while Shantanu would occasionally visit to deliver files and documents. On some occasions, his work kept him there until late at night. If the household staff were unavailable, Tata would personally pack food and refreshments for Shantanu. Tata never allowed his stature to come in the way of simple human kindness. Around the same period, as the pandemic brought the country to its knees, the Tata Group announced a contribution of ₹1,500 crore towards the fight against Covid-19.
This reviewer too, once had the opportunity to see Ratan Tata at an airport. He was carrying his overcoat and handbag himself. The unassuming demeanour seemed almost incongruous with his extraordinary stature. One could not help comparing this sight with that of film actors and netas, whose public prominence is perhaps a fraction of his, yet who are often seen walking ahead while their subordinates trail behind, burdened with luggage. Tata, by contrast, acknowledged a passing greeting with a warm smile. The tiny moment left a lasting impression.
Shantanu observes that Tata did not have to make any conscious effort to demonstrate empathy or compassion. These qualities were embedded in him naturally. On one occasion, he asked Shantanu to visit his office at the World Trade Centre. From the twenty-sixth floor, one could look out at the sprawling slums that stood in stark contrast to the imposing buildings and glittering affluence of the city. Tata remarked upon how disturbing such a vast social divide was. Within the seemingly chaotic expanse of the slums, Tata pointed out a certain natural order and pattern. The observation was characteristic of a mind that could look at the world from multiple perspectives, with an eye for detail, an appreciation of complexity and, above all, a deep concern for the human condition.
The Tata Nano was perhaps one of Ratan Tata’s most cherished personal dreams. He envisioned an affordable car that would bring the convenience and security of four-wheeled transport within the reach of ordinary Indian families. Unfortunately, the project encountered a peculiar sociological obstacle. For a large section of Indian society, owning a car was not merely a matter of convenience or transportation; it was also a symbol of social prestige. The Nano’s very affordability, which was intended to be its greatest strength, perhaps became a marketing handicap. The car failed to achieve the commercial success its creator had hoped for.
By the time Shantanu could afford to buy a car of his own, production of the Nano had ceased. Nevertheless, determined to fulfil a wish that had acquired a sentimental significance, he managed to procure one of the last few available cars through a dealer. When Tata learnt of this, Shantanu noticed an unusual sparkle in his eyes. Perhaps it was the quiet delight of a man whose cherished dream had found an unexpected admirer in someone he held dear.
Ratan Tata passed away in October 2024, leaving behind a legacy that transcends business, industry and philanthropy. Shantanu, who is now thirty-three, has captured their association in a narrative that is both engaging and deeply personal. The book is further enriched by the colourful illustrations of Sanjana Desai, which lend a visual charm to an already endearing account.
The difference in their ages never translated into a distance between their minds or hearts. The relationship flourished because affection was accompanied by respect, authority by humility, and experience by an abiding willingness to embrace youthful enthusiasm.
Dear Gen Z, the experienced elders around you may not all possess the exceptional qualities of Ratan Tata, but seeking their advice and guidance is certainly not a sign of weakness or inferiority. On the contrary, it reflects the maturity to recognise the limits of one’s own understanding and the wisdom to remain receptive to learning. Independence does not mean shutting the door on experience, nor does self-confidence require us to disregard the lessons of those who have travelled farther along life’s winding road.
And to the respected elders: the wealth of experience you have accumulated over the years does not give you a licence to dismiss the freshness, curiosity and unconventional thinking of younger minds. Your younger generation may not necessarily possess the brilliance or exceptional promise of a Shantanu Naidu, but overwhelming them with unsolicited advice, instructions and prescriptions is hardly the most effective way to nurture their potential. Sometimes, the wiser course is to extend a little trust, allow them the freedom to experiment, and provide them with the space and opportunity to translate their ideas into action. Guidance should empower, not suffocate; experience should illuminate, not overshadow.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Rift.
