For children: Siblings Zain and Aditi learn about industrialist Ratan Tata’s love for animals

“Tell us about his pets. What were they called?” Zain asked. The story seemed to make him happy. He loved animals, too. Mango wasn’t his only pet. He often brought stray kittens and puppies home. Once, he brought a rat and wanted to have it as a pet. His parents did not agree to that.

“Ratan had a dog as a pet when he was a young boy growing up in Tata Palace. It was a fox terrier that his grandmother did not want to have as a pet. But it came, nonetheless. In later years, Lady Tata’s heart warmed to the animal, especially after Ratan left for the US. After this first childhood pet, Ratan had many more. They were usually German Shepherds. His two dogs were called Tito and Tango,” Nanu explained. “During a trip to Goa, he also adopted a stray and guess what he named it!” Nanu paused for effect, scanning the children’s faces. They were staring at him expectantly. “Goa,” Nanu said and laughed aloud.

“A dog from Goa called Goa! Are you listening, Mango?” Zain turned and looked at the Labrador. “We got you from Dad’s friend who lives in Ranchi. Perhaps we should have called you Ranchi!”...

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