A new book remembers industrialist Ratan Tata’s love for animals

Ratan Tata loved dogs, animals and birds. In the midst of all his numerous official responsibilities, he prioritised their well-being because he thought it was the right thing to do to speak up for and help animals, who have no voice to champion their own.

Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata group, is unique in being a home for stray dogs. Ever since I joined the Tata group in 1987, I have always seen stray dogs in the foyer of the premises. Ratan Tata loved these dogs. There are pictures I have seen of Ratan sitting down on the steps of Bombay House, playing with them.

When Ratan entered Bombay House each morning, he would pass by these dogs on his way up to his office which was located on the fourth floor. He would observe them as he went by. On one particular day, as he walked past the foyer, he felt that one of the dogs was not looking too well.

As soon as he went up to his office, he advised his assistant: “Can you have a veterinary doctor look at this dog? He does not seem well at all.” The fact that he did this immediately, in the...

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