Indian billionaire and business tycoon Ratan Tata, widely respected for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, recently made headlines for his unusual will. Tata, who passed away earlier this month at age 86, left a substantial portion of his estimated £91 million fortune to his German shepherd, Tito, ensuring “unlimited care” for the beloved pet.
While it is customary in India to pass wealth to immediate family, Tata, who had no children and never married, largely bypassed his siblings. His brother, Jimmy Tata, and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy received only a part of the estate, while Tito, Tata’s butler Konar Subbiah, and cook Rajan Shaw inherited substantial amounts. The will specifies lifelong financial support for his two long-term aides, both in their 50s, and for Tito, who remained by Tata’s side in his final days.
Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata’s, shared with The Times that Tata’s provisions for his staff were exceptionally generous. “They will never have to work again and will be well looked after,” Seth stated, noting that these instructions reflect Tata’s gratitude for their loyalty and companionship.
Tata’s legacy extends beyond his personal estate. Under his leadership, Tata Group achieved several high-profile acquisitions, including the British tea company Tetley in 2000, Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007, and luxury British automotive brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. Tata’s impact on Indian industry is evident in his commitment to innovation, having spearheaded the development of the Indica, India’s first domestically designed car, and the Nano, celebrated as the world’s most affordable car.
No comments:
Post a Comment