Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist who passed away in October 2024, has left over ₹3 crore for his domestic and office staff in his will. As per Times of India, the executors of his will have been directed to distribute ₹15 lakh to domestic staff who served him for at least seven years, with the amount allocated based on years of service.
Financial Grants for Staff
Apart from his primary estate distribution, Tata’s will includes specific bequests for key staff members, such as:
- ₹1 crore to his longtime cook, Rajan Shaw, including a loan waiver of ₹51 lakh.
- ₹66 lakh to his butler, Subbaiah Konar, with a ₹36 lakh loan waiver.
- ₹10 lakh to his secretary, Delnaz Gilder.
- ₹1 lakh for part-time helpers and car cleaners.
Tata’s generosity extended beyond his direct staff. He waived a ₹1 crore loan given to his executive assistant, Shantanu Naidu, for his MBA at Cornell University.
Estate Distribution and Charitable Contributions
Ratan Tata’s ₹3,800-crore estate was largely bequeathed to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust, continuing his legacy of philanthropy and social service.
He also directed that his clothing collection, which included brands like Brooks Brothers, Hermes, Polo, Daks, and Brioni suits, should be donated to NGOs for the underprivileged.
Special Bequest for His Pet Dog Tito
A well-known animal lover, Ratan Tata ensured that his German Shepherd, Tito, was well taken care of. His will allocated ₹12 lakh for Tito’s care, with ₹30,000 disbursed every quarter. Tito will remain under the care of his cook, Rajan Shaw.
Loan Waivers for Close Associates
Tata’s will also included loan waivers for people close to him, including:
- A ₹1 crore loan waiver for his executive assistant, Shantanu Naidu.
- An ₹18 lakh waiver for his driver, Raju Leon.
- A waiver for a loan he had extended to his neighbor.
In his will, dated February 23, 2022, Tata explicitly 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/driver.”
Conclusion
Ratan Tata’s will reflects his lifelong generosity and commitment to those who served him. While his fortune continues to fund philanthropic endeavors, his staff and even his pet dog Tito have received significant benefits. His actions serve as a testament to his values of loyalty, compassion, and gratitude.
