The late industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away in October 2024, has left behind more than just a legacy of business excellence — he’s left a deeply humane testament of gratitude and compassion.
In his will, Tata earmarked nearly Rs 3.5 crore for his household staff, drivers, office helpers, and even a neighbour, along with waiving several loans he had extended over the years. He also set aside Rs 12 lakh for his beloved German shepherd, Tito, ensuring his companion is cared for with quarterly disbursements of Rs 30,000.
The heartfelt document details how he bequeathed Rs 1 crore to his long-time cook Rajan Shaw, which includes a loan waiver of Rs 51 lakh, and Rs 66 lakh to butler Subbaiah Konar, inclusive of Rs 36 lakh in loan waivers. His driver Raju Leon received Rs 1.5 lakh and had an Rs 18 lakh loan waived, taking the total to Rs 19.5 lakh.
Others who received bequests include:
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Secretary Delnaz Gilder: Rs 10 lakh
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Tata Trusts consultant Hoshi D Malesara: Rs 5 lakh
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Alibaug bungalow caretaker Devendar Katamollu: Rs 2 lakh
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Personal assistant Deepti Divakaran: Rs 1.5 lakh
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Peons Gopal Singh and Pandurang Gurav: Rs 50,000 each
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Helper Sarfaraz Deshmukh: Loan of Rs 2 lakh waived
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Neighbour Jake Malite: Loan of Rs 23.7 lakh waived for MBA at Warwick Business School
He also cancelled a Rs 1 crore loan taken by executive assistant Shantanu Naidu for his MBA at Cornell University.
In his will dated February 23, 2022, Tata wrote, “I direct my executors that they shall not take any steps to recover the loans… and the same shall not be considered as owing to my estate.”
For the execution of his will, he appointed his half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, friend Mehli Mistry, and Tata Trusts trustee Darius Khambata, each of whom will receive Rs 5 lakh for their efforts.
Tata ensured that even in death, his values of care, humility, and loyalty were carried forward. His funeral expenses, too, were minimal — just Rs 2,500, as revealed by the executors of his estate.
[Infographic Summary – Key Bequests]
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Rs 1 crore to cook Rajan Shaw (incl. Rs 51L loan waiver)
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Rs 66 lakh to butler Subbaiah Konar (incl. Rs 36L waiver)
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Rs 19.5 lakh to driver Raju Leon
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Rs 12 lakh reserved for dog Tito
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Rs 10 lakh to secretary Delnaz
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Rs 5 lakh to Tata Trusts consultant
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Rs 2 lakh to Alibaug house caretaker
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Rs 1.5 lakh to assistant
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Rs 5 lakh each to executors for their service
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on a report published by the Times of India (TOI).
