In Loving Memory of Ratan Tata
Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable soul, Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86. His legacy is not just in the enterprises he built, but in the hearts he touched and the lives he inspired.
I had the profound honor of encountering him during my time at MIT in Boston. It was a pleasant morning on Oct 7, 2015. Rushing to my E-52 Sloan class, I spotted a man in a suit and tie walking along the pathway of E-15, near the Media Lab. For a moment, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. How could someone as renowned as Mr. Ratan Tata be wandering alone on the MIT campus, so far from home? Yet, I felt an undeniable pull, as if he were a magnet drawing me in.
Despite my haste, I approached him to confirm my suspicions. To my amazement, it truly was Mr. Ratan Tata! In that brief encounter, I found myself touching his feet, seeking his blessing. He paused, exuding warmth and kindness, asking about my journey and expressing genuine pride in my achievements. He encouraged me to serve my motherland after my graduation, urging me to return to India and make a difference.

What struck me most was his humility, his kindness, and his deep-rooted patriotism. He was a beacon of simplicity and groundedness, a fatherly figure for aspiring entrepreneurs like myself. That fleeting moment with him became a cherished memory, a lifetime treasure I will carry in my heart.
Legends like Ratan Tata never truly fade away; their spirit lives on in the paths they illuminate for others. Sir, I promise to honor your legacy and walk the path you’ve shown me.
Rest in peace, dear Sir. Your impact will forever resonate in the lives you touched.
— Sunil Khandbahale