I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata

Read the Book ' I came upon a Lighthouse' and I don't know where to begin 🥺. First of all I would like to thank the author for letting us into his life, for sharing what he saw, for being vulnerable and most importantly for bringing to us facets of Ratan Tata that is unknown to the world. The book is so real. So precious. So esthetic. So warm. Definitely one of a kind ❤️. Every page, every paragraph, every word felt so genuine. The author of the book, Shantanu has definitely put his heart and soul into writing this book and it clearly shows ☺️. I've known and loved Ratan Tata for his selflessness & kindness but if it weren't for the book, I'd never know him beyond that.I've always respected and adored him, but after reading the book my love for him has skyrocketed. His humility, his empathetic nature, the extent he goes to honour a promise irrespective of the inconvenience caused etc are all lessons for life that I've taken up and intend to follow in my life. The entire book is wholesome and a delight to the heart but few parts really really stood out for me. They made me tear up, some made me giggle and the others changed my perspective entirely. One such chapter that changed my perspective is undoubtedly "Lily" (Lily is author's Car Nano, and is cute as a button)❤️. Like many others, I am guilty of considering Tata Nano's "Common man's Car" tag as an insult. It came from a place of naivety and the book made me realise how wrong I was. The story behind the Launch of Tata Nano moved me to the core. After reading the book, I've made a promise to myself that whenever I see a Nano on the road I will remember it as a 'Symbol of Empathy, a gesture to take care not just of a customer, but a community', just as it was meant to be remembered 🥺. Right from the first chapter, the beginning of Motopaws, the very first email the author received from Mr Tata, his acceptance to Cornell, all about Ithaca, Adopting Winter( author's doggo), his New York experience with Mr Tata, his Graduation to him returning back to Bombay (or Bombae, as Shantanu calls it), working at the Office of the Chairman, Lily's entry to his life, his Work, Vitamin C & turmeric milk filled lockdown , he has shared it all. He has described everything so amazingly well that it felt as if I've actually met Mr Tata, his Naina, Amma, his friend Sukrut, Winter, Mr Tata's doggos Tito & Tango and of course the guardians of the lighthouse (as the author says) : Deepthi,Denese & Parizaad. It felt like I've been to New York and Ithaca.I felt like I've lived the author's life without actually living it. I'd also like to mention the beyond amazing illustrations by Sanjana. Her illustrations brought life to the author's amazing Stories. It definitely was an icing on the cake. I came upon a Lighthouse is undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read and the most wholesome book I've read in a really long time. I hope everyone gets to read it because trust me, I am an avid reader & it is quite difficult to come across books like these and this one's just toooo good to be missed☺️☺️. Whoever's reading this review, do yourself a favour and buy the book. Don't forget to thank me later ;)

It took me 5 days to finish this wonderful memoir by Mr. Shantaa-nu Naidu. Although it’s only over 200 pages, it’s not one of those books, that you just rush through. I took my own sweet time to read it, between my journey to work or before going to bed or while eating, as I wanted to live through the writings in each page. This book is about the author’s personal journey, sharing his life experiences in a smart and funny way. He talks about his journey in starting his own company called “motopaws” (to help street doggos), his life changing meeting with Mr. Ratan Tata, his journey through grad school, his relationships, him becoming a single pet parent, becoming a proud owner of the nano and of course his beautiful journey to the office of Mr. Ratan Tata. As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed every single chapter in this book. Being able to relate to many of his experiences is what made this reading so wholesome. In addition to all detailed writings, the super adorable illustrations from each chapter helps you picture the whole scenario precisely. The author having expressed all his emotions in this single book, makes you feel as though you were in the background watching everything. There were times when I would happily be smiling or grinning to myself while reading the book on the metro, which did result in quite a few heads turning towards me. I would give this book a 10 on 5 if possible with extra points for the thoughtful drawings. It’s been quite some time since I’d read a book this cute and heart warming. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. At the end of the book you will be heavy with emotions and high on inspiration. Read it and you will thank me later. Also, all the proceedings for this book goes towards the welfare of stray animals, which is also why you should go and buy it right away and start reading :)

I Came Upon a Lighthouse by Shantanu Naidu is a remarkable memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of Ratan Tata, one of India’s most admired industrialists. As a longstanding fan of Tata, I found this book to be a true feast for the mind and heart, illuminating a side of him that the world rarely sees. The narrative reveals the unlikely friendship between Tata and Naidu, which blossomed out of their shared compassion and a mutual mission to bring about social good. Through Naidu’s eyes, readers witness Tata’s warmth, humility, and genuine empathy for others. Far from the stereotypical image of a reserved business tycoon, Tata emerges as a mentor, a friend, and a compassionate human being deeply concerned about the world around him. What makes this book especially memorable is how it captures the unique, heartfelt bond between Tata and Naidu. The anecdotes Naidu shares, filled with gentle humor and sincerity, make the reader feel as though they, too, are part of this circle of trust and friendship. For anyone who admires Ratan Tata, this book provides not just an insight into his character but also inspiration on how to lead a life of integrity and compassion. In a world where success is often measured by wealth and power, I Came Upon a Lighthouse is a powerful reminder of the value of kindness and mentorship. It’s a special book, one that has left a lasting place in my heart.

It’s an insightful memoir , exploring the personal and empathetic side of RNT , gives some interesting and worth emulating facts about the nice and human side of him , while being one of the business stalwarts of the world!

Thankful to Shantanu for showing warm & friendly side of industrialist Mr Ratan Tata. One has to be very fortunate to be blessed with such a great mentor and a true friend as well !!

Well written, emotions and facts wrapped and narrated in perfect way to make sense. Sir Tata was and is a legend. Humanity existed because of him.

Been a while I've read a book and man, this was so good!. Never knew Mr. Ratan Tata was down to earth, credits to Shantanu for writing this book in such an interactive way. Took me a few sittings to read it and every time, I was like Casper around those situations. Reading along, I developed an interest in Memoirs and read a bunch of them now. Whenever they were mentioning a song, I would hear along and get into the vibe.

Ein kleiner Einblick in das Leben von und mit Ratan Tata. Für seine Fans sehr empfehlenswert,

There is no love like this.