Ratan Tata's generous will leaves fortune for pet dog 'Tito', staff, and unseen heirs

Late industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has shocked everyone by setting aside "unlimited care" for his beloved German Shepherd, Tito in his will. The unusual provision speaks volumes of the Tata's love for his pet, whose name pays tribute to his former dog.

Apart from his legacy to Tito, Tata will also show provisions for his half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, besides ensuring that all his house staff, including his cook of twenty-five years, Rajan Shaw, were well taken care of. He was known to have been generous to a fault, often leaving designer gifts in London or Paris for his cook, Shaw, and butler, Subbaiah, from his travels.

The late Ratan Tata’s estate, valued at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, is set to be primarily directed through the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), reinforcing his enduring commitment to philanthropy. Established in 2022 as a non-profit Section 8 company, RTEF is positioned to manage a significant portion of Tata’s wealth, including his stakes in Tata Sons and various other Tata Group enterprises.
Leadership and Vision for Social Impact

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, is expected to lead the foundation, aligning with Tata’s vision of enhancing social welfare and community service. Under his guidance, RTEF aims to continue Tata’s legacy of making a positive societal impact through strategic investments and charitable initiatives.
Strategic Investments Already Underway

RTEF has already initiated key investments, including a Rs 147 crore stake in Tata Technologies ahead of its 2023 initial public offering ( IPO ) and involvement with Tata Digital, which oversees the Tata Neu platform. Following Tata’s directives in his will, the foundation will also benefit from liquidating its startup investments via RNT Associates and RNT Advisers, further enhancing its capacity to fund meaningful initiatives.

Support to Mentee and Charitable Ventures

Tata will also shed light on his relationship with mentee and executive assistant Shantanu Naidu, as he has waived off his education loans and relinquished his stake in Naidu's companionship venture, Goodfellows. It indicates that Tata was committed to nursing leadership for the future.

Expensive Estate Worth More Than Rs 10,000 Crore

This would include impressive assets like a 2,000-square-foot bungalow with a beachfront in Alibaug, a two-roomed house on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai, and fixed deposits amounting to more than Rs 350 crore. His shares in Tata Sons, the holding company of the $165-billion Tata Group, will be gifted to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation to honour his legacy of philanthropy.

Tata was declared dead on 9 October 2024, aged 86. His will is to be probated in the Bombay High Court-a process that may take several months. Much loved by the people he is described for his business acumen, philanthropy, and love for animals, Tata leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond his actual wealth.

Assets and Their Future

Among Tata’s notable assets is a collection of 20-30 luxury cars currently stored at his Colaba residence and Taj Wellington Mews. The fate of these vehicles remains uncertain, with potential options including auctioning or public display. His beach bungalow in Alibaug and residence on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai are also part of his estate, though their future is still to be determined.

As the RTEF prepares to carry forward Tata’s philanthropic vision, the industrialist’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.