Ratan Tata’s Will Reveals Unmatched Generosity Towards Loyal Employees

Ratan Tata, the iconic industrialist known for his humility and philanthropy, once again demonstrated his deep sense of gratitude and care for those who stood by him. Even in his passing, Tata ensured that his home and office staff were financially secure, leaving behind a substantial portion of his wealth for their well-being.

Ratan Tata's Financial Support for Loyal Staff

In his will, Ratan Tata allocated approximately Rs 3.5 crore for his domestic staff, drivers, and office assistants. He also forgave multiple loans that he had extended to employees and even a neighbor. His generosity ensured that those who served him faithfully for years received due recognition and financial assistance.

As per his will, staff members who had worked for him for over seven years were awarded Rs 15 lakh each, distributed based on their length of service. Part-time helpers and car cleaners were granted Rs 1 lakh each.

Major Beneficiaries of Tata’s Will

• Rajan Shaw (Long-time cook): Over Rs 1 crore, including a Rs 51-lakh loan waiver

• Subbaiah Konar (Butler): Rs 66 lakh, including a Rs 36-lakh loan waiver

• Delnaz Gilder (Secretary): Rs 10 lakh

• Raju Leon (Driver): Rs 1.5 lakh, along with a Rs 18-lakh loan waiver

• Shantanu Naidu (Executive Assistant): Rs 1 crore loan waiver for his MBA at Cornell University

Tata’s Will: A Testament of Compassion

In his legally documented will, dated February 23, 2022, Tata clearly instructed that these loans should not be recovered. He stated:

“I direct my executors that they shall not take any steps to recover the loans (from Shaw, Konar, and Raju Leon) and the same shall not be considered as owing to my estate. I direct that the amount of the loan shall be considered a bequest from me to the concerned servants/drivers.”

Financial Gifts Beyond His Household Staff

Apart from his domestic employees, Tata extended his generosity to others:

• Hoshi D. Malesara (Consultant at Tata Trusts): Rs 5 lakh

• Devendar Katamollu (Alibaug bungalow caretaker): Rs 2 lakh

• Deepti Divakaran (Personal assistant): Rs 1.5 lakh

• Gopal Singh and Pandurang Gurav (Peons): Rs 50,000 each

• Sarfaraz Deshmukh (Helper): Rs 2-lakh loan waiver

Ensuring the Well-Being of His Beloved Pet

Tata’s love for animals was evident in his decision to set aside Rs 12 lakh for his pet dog, Tito. The German shepherd will receive Rs 30,000 quarterly for its care, under the guardianship of Rajan Shaw.

Loan Cancellation for a Neighbor

Beyond his staff, Tata also canceled a Rs 23.7-lakh loan given to Jake Malite, a former neighbor who had borrowed the amount for an MBA at Warwick Business School in the UK. Malite, who now resides in Switzerland, had previously worked at Pratt & Whitney, a prominent American aerospace firm.

Distribution of Residual Estate

One-third of Tata’s residual estate, excluding shares and immovable properties, was bequeathed to Mohini Dutta, a former Taj Hotels employee. Additionally:

• Seychelles land (valued at Rs 85 lakh): Bequeathed to RNT Associates, a Singapore-based fund linked to Tata’s business circle

• Two half-sisters, Shireen Jejeebhoy and Deanna Jejeebhoy: Each to receive one-third of the remaining estate

• Alibaug bungalow: Gifted to Mehli Mistry, a long-time friend of Tata

Executors of Tata’s Will

Tata appointed Shireen Jejeebhoy, Deanna Jejeebhoy, Mehli Mistry, and Darius Khambata as executors of his will. Each of them was awarded Rs 5 lakh as a token of appreciation for their role in carrying out his final wishes.

Final Arrangements

Tata made provisions for his funeral expenses to be covered by his estate. The total cost, as reported by the executors, was Rs 2,500.