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Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s close aide, received comforting bear hugs from Mumbai policemen at Tata’s funeral.
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The gesture brought Naidu solace during his grief, calling it a “parting gift” on LinkedIn.
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Naidu’s bond with Tata was built on shared values and mutual passion for animal welfare and social causes.
A poignant moment unfolded at Ratan Tata’s funeral when Shantanu Naidu, Tata’s close aide, was embraced by Mumbai policemen. As Tata’s hearse passed through the streets, Naidu led the procession on his motorcycle, visibly moved by the support around him. The bear hugs from the officers symbolized the city’s shared sorrow.
Naidu took to LinkedIn to express his gratitude for the kind gestures from strangers and the Mumbai policemen. He reflected on the overwhelming sense of loss, saying, “Still coming to terms with the fact that I will never see him smile again, or get to make him smile.” Naidu’s relationship with Tata went beyond a professional connection, built on shared values and a mutual passion for animal welfare.
Their bond started when Naidu sought support for Motopaws, an initiative to protect stray dogs. Tata mentored Naidu as he grew his ventures, including Goodfellows, a startup providing companionship to the elderly. Even after Naidu left for the U.S., their bond remained strong, with Tata attending his graduation. Upon returning, Naidu took on the role of Tata’s assistant, deepening their partnership.
