Pune Engineer Shantanu Naidu Reflects on the Loss of Ratan Tata: A Friendship Beyond Generations
Shantanu Naidu, a Pune-born engineer, rose to prominence as one of Ratan Tata’s closest confidants, exemplifying the power of mentorship, friendship, and a commitment to social good. Their friendship transcended generations, with Naidu evolving from an intern to Tata’s trusted ally and friend, exemplifying a bond that knows no age boundaries.
As the world mourns Tata, who passed away on October 9 at Breach Candy Hospital, Naidu reflects on the profound connection they shared. In a heartfelt LinkedIn tribute, Naidu, now 30, shared his grief: “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.”
Naidu’s journey began in 2014 as a young engineer at Tata Elxsi in Pune. It was here he founded Motopaws, a project aimed at protecting stray dogs from road accidents by designing reflective collars. Facing financial challenges, Naidu penned a letter to Ratan Tata, a known advocate for animal welfare. To his surprise, Tata replied two months later, inviting him to Mumbai. This meeting ignited a lasting friendship, with Tata even inviting Naidu to meet his dogs at home.
In 2016, Naidu pursued an MBA at Cornell University, where he remained close to Tata. Upon his return, Tata offered him a position as his assistant. Beyond his formal duties, Naidu managed Tata’s social media presence, which endeared him to fans across India. Naidu’s dedication and friendship with Tata became widely known after a video surfaced of the two celebrating Tata’s birthday, showcasing their genuine affection for each other.
Naidu also chronicled their friendship in his 2021 memoir, I Came Upon a Lighthouse, which offers insights into the invaluable lessons he learned from Tata and their shared love for dogs.
Originally from Pune, Naidu holds an engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He continues to honor Tata’s legacy through initiatives like Motopaws and Goodfellows, working to make a positive impact on society, guided by the values instilled in him by his mentor.