Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has shared a heartwarming note about Ratan Tata and his love for dogs. The Former chairperson of the Tata Group had two outstanding qualities – obsession with detail and genuine care for animals, Chandrasekaran said. Back in 2017, Chandrasekaran said, there was a need to renovate the Bombay House – Tata Sons’ historic headquarters. Apart from the large-scale operations, Ratan Tata’s first interest in the establishment was for dogs that lived there.
“Bombay House had not been touched since 1924, and more importantly (as many people told me) Mr Tata would not like it. ‘Bombay House is a temple,’ I was told, emphasising its sanctity,” Chandrasekaran wrote.
When he finally approached Tata with the renovation idea, Tata’s first question was: “When you say renovate, do you mean vacate?” Chandrasekaran explained the temporary relocation plan, to which Tata gently asked, “Where will the dogs go?”
Chandrasekaran described how the dogs had been part of Tatas for many years and could be seen sleeping in the reception of Bombay House. In response to Tata’s concern, Chandrasekaran said that a proper kennel would be provided for the dogs when the building was completed. Upon completion of the work, the first place that Ratan Tata visited was the kennel to assess it himself.
“He was very happy to see how thoughtful the kennel’s design was, and how well the dogs would be cared for,” Chandrasekaran recalled. “His joy was confirmation that we had done the right thing.”
Many who worked with Ratan Tata or visited Tata’s properties saw how much he cared for animals. In front of the historic Taj Mahal Hotel, it was quite common to see strays taking a nap because Tata ordered all animals to be honoured and valued. This culture also translated to other activities and ultimately touched on philanthropy in a major way in 2023.
That year, Tata went a step further in promoting the rights of animals by funding the construction of an advanced Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi Mumbai. The Rs 165 crore not-for-profit facility was planned to cater to a major gap in veterinary practice in India. It has amenities such as ICUs and CT scans for animals. The hospital also collaborated with the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs which looks after the needs of the street dogs, treatment and sterilisation of which is carried forward in memory of Tata, who strived throughout his life to enhance the quality of life for all animals.
The Centre is under the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF) and remains one of the most celebrated throughout the country. Dr Thomas Heathcote, CVO and CEO of AVCF, was quoted by MoneyControl saying that it has been his great pleasure to open the large veterinary hospital, which can treat thousands of animals around the clock.
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