Remembering Ratan Tata: When the 'Business Titan' ditched meeting UK's King Charles for his pet

Business Titan Ratan Naval Tata passed away on October 9, due to age-related health issues. He was 86. The former chairman of the Tata Group was known as a visionary and compassionate industrialist. He had also earned widespread love for his philanthropic work, especially for his love and initiatives for voiceless animals. From erecting animal hospitals, ensuring free medical care, and supporting wildlife conservation initiatives to supporting animal rescue centres, Ratan Tata had a special connection with animals for which he won everyone's heart. But, did you know, Ratan Tata ditched meeting UK's King Charles for his pet?

King Charles wanted to felicitate Ratan Tata, the scion of the legendary Tata family, for his philanthropic work. However, he ditched the Royal invitation at the last minute.

Indian businessman, columnist and actor Suhel Seth revealed the incident and the video of the same has gone viral on social media.

In 2018, the UK's King Charles III, known as Prince Charles, organised an event to felicitate the industrialist with a lifetime achievement award for his philanthropic work. The award ceremony, which was under the auspice of the British Asian Trust, was supposed to be held at Buckingham Palace on February 6, 2018. Earlier, Ratan Tata had agreed to attend the event in person. However, he didn't turn up for the event.

The reason behind ditching the Royal invitation is quite shocking. Ratan Tata's dog was unwell and he decided to remain with his pet for which he cancelled his travel plans.

Recalling the incident, Seth said in the video that he had arrived in London on February 2nd or 3rd, 2018, to attend the event. But, when he landed in London, he was surprised to see 11 missed calls from Ratan Tata himself. This left him shocked and he immediately dialled him back. Receiving the call, Ratan Tata told him that one of his dogs had fallen terribly ill. "I can't leave him and come," said the Tata scion.

Also Read | Ratan Tata - Part corporate titan, part secular living saint who never appeared on any list of billionaires

Though Seth tried to convince him to attend the event as it was with the UK Royal Prince Charles, he didn't change his mind and cancelled attending the ceremony where he was to be felicitated.

Further, Seth stated that when King Charles learned about the reason, he appreciated Ratan Tata's ideals and priorities. "That's a man. That's the man Ratan is. That's why the house of Tata is what it is. That's why it's on a stable course," said Prince Charles.

Undeniably, this act proved that Ratan Tata had a golden heart filled with love and compassion for his furry friends. 

Notably, Ratan Tata had two pet dogs, Tango and Tito. One of them was ill for which he cancelled the event. Tito died a couple of years ago.

Just a few days ago, saw this video about how stray dogs were never thrown out of India’s biggest hotel because of Ratan Tata’s orders. While others chased wealth, he built a legacy of compassion that will never fade.

#RatanTatapic.twitter.com/bxig55gh9W

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata was man whose heart cried for the voiceless. From instructing his management to allow stray animals into Taj Hotel Palace and providing them shelter, care and food to feeding the stray dogs and cats around his residence, he has set an example of humanity. Earlier this year, a Small Animal Hospital was opened in June 2024 under Tata Trusts in Mumbai's Mahalaxmi.man whose heart cried for the voiceless. From instructing his management to allow stray animals into Taj Hotel Palace and providing them shelter, care and food to feeding the stray dogs and cats around his residence, he has set an example of humanity. Earlier this year, a Small Animal Hospital was opened in June 2024 under Tata Trusts in Mumbai's Mahalaxmi.

Ratan Tata will ever remain in the hearts and minds of people for his empathy and kindness to all.