Ratan Tata's ardent love for animals: VIP entry for strays at Taj hotel, Tata headquarters a home to strays & more
PTC News Desk: Ratan Tata passed away on October 9 in Mumbai at the age of 86. Tata passed away after being admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
He was globally regarded not only for his massive contributions to India's industrial growth but also for his profound care for animals, particularly dogs. His legacy of compassion, particularly for stray dogs, is evident at the Tata Group's headquarters, Bombay House, and even the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel.
Not only that, but he skipped a royal event at Buckingham Palace in London to take care of his ill pet dog, and his most recent project was the nation's first-of-its-kind, cutting-edge pet hospital, complete with 24x7 emergency treatment.
Ratan Tata issued strict instructions to Mumbai's famed Taj Mahal Hotel in May of this year to properly handle stray animals that entered its premises.
The news spread quickly after an HR worker posted a photo of a stray dog on social media, expressing her appreciation to the hotel staff.
After the post was shared, the staff explained that Ratan Tata had issued strict instructions to treat animals entering the hotel grounds "well"
Also in 2018, Ratan Tata ordered that Tata Group's headquarters in downtown Mumbai would also be a shelter for any stray dogs outside it.
"The headquarters of the Tata group, Bombay House, is also the home of a few of our best friends. In fact, they are the only denizens who can walk in without an access card," the group's website reads.
The headquarters were renovated to provide the stray animals with their own space, equipped with a controlled climate, soft cushions, and an access door that allows them to come and go as they like.
"Some non-residents also visit the room from time to time for good food, warm beds, shelter from the rain or for the occasional vaccination or health check-up."
On July 1, the corporate giant launched the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai's Mahalaxmi region. The hospital has around 200 beds and strives to give modern medical care to pets in need.
When the renowned businessman announced the launch of the Rs 165 crore pet hospital project in February, he stated, "Pets are our family, and their lives matter to every pet parent. When I looked around and saw the lack of infrastructure for pets in India, it made me wonder why, in such a large country with a significant pet population, we cannot have a facility that can save lives and make pets' lives better."
Ratan Tata received an invitation from the UK's then-Prince Charles to a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in February 2018, when the entrepreneur would have been presented with a lifetime achievement award for his philanthropic efforts. Ratan Tata's pet dog Tito became unwell a few days before the ceremony.
Adman and socialite Suhel Seth recounted the incident in a video, claiming that he received 11 missed calls from Ratan Tata. Seth, who was also scheduled to attend the event, said when he called back, the industrialist told him he couldn't leave his sick pet and come to London.
Tito died a few years back.
- PTC NEWS
