Ratan Tata: Pune mourns the loss of one of its quietest visitors

  In 2021, when Ratan Tata quietly walked into Pune’s Kothrud region to visit his ailing friend in Woodland Society, no one could have imagined that one of India’s most revered industrialists was among them. There was no security detail, no entourage, no crowd of onlookers—just Tata, alone, moving with the humility that defined him. Locals, unaware of the giant in their midst, recall how he walked through society without fuss, blending into the everyday life of the city he held dear.

It wasn’t until he was in the parking lot, about to leave, that fate intervened. Abhijit Mokashi and his young daughter Adishree caught sight of him. With nerves tingling, they introduced themselves, unsure if the legend would stop. But Ratan Tata did more than stop—he spoke with them, offering Adishree timeless advice: “Focus on the target and never deviate.” For the Mokashi family, this brief encounter felt like meeting divinity itself as they stood awestruck in front of a man who carried the weight of a billion-dollar empire with the grace of a saint.

Today, as news of Ratan Tata’s passing swept through Pune, memories of that simple, powerful visit resurfaced. Social media lit up with stories of his humility, leaving the city to reflect on his profound impact. In a place accustomed to chaotic VIP visits—where motorcades clog streets, and political leaders arrive like royalty with banners, posters, and fanfare—Ratan Tata’s understated presence was a shock.

Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari recently confessed that when he travels through Pune, one of India’s most congested cities, he rolls up his car windows to hide from the angry faces of frustrated commuters, weary of VIP blockades. But Tata’s visit was the complete opposite—no disruptions, no spectacle, just a quiet man visiting an old friend.

“Reading about Tata’s visit was a revelation,” said local professional Sneha Gadkari. “Every day we see VIPs arriving like kings, with all the banners and cavalcades. And here was Ratan Tata, walking alone with such humility. It takes more than just greatness to live this way—it takes true courage and simplicity.”

As Pune mourns the loss of one of its quietest visitors, Ratan Tata leaves behind a legacy of industrial excellence and humility that transcended his towering stature.