Pilot Sameer Anis Raut remembers the day he met Indian industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata.
He was flying his remote-controlled aircraft at a beach in Alibaug, Maharashtra, one day in April 2013 when Mr Tata approached him randomly and enquired about his hobby.
“He asked if I could pilot the device, and despite my nerves, I flew it successfully,” said the 33 year-old, who recognised Mr Tata immediately.
“He asked for my name and profession, and I told him I was from Alibaug, where he used to visit on weekends. As we were exchanging contact numbers, I found myself flustered, having forgotten the lock-code to my iPhone. I admitted this to Mr Tata, who laughed heartily. That smile remains etched in my memory.”
Mr Tata, a billionaire and former chairman of the Tata Group, died in Mumbai on Oct 9 at the age of 86. He had been admitted to hospital due to age-related issues on Oct 7.
News of his death sent shockwaves not just in India but the world over.
Admired for his kindness, generosity and success, Mr Tata charmed people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe.
Mr Sameer, who was based in Singapore for three months in 2014 as he underwent an Airbus A320 type rating course, said he was surprised when Mr Tata contacted him soon after they met.
“I was 23, and he was 76. I was amazed that such a distinguished man would remember me.
“Being a pilot, one time I asked if I could see his helicopter. He obliged me and said, ‘The next time you visit, I will take you to the helipad, and we shall fly together’.
“That’s how generous the man was.”
Mr Sameer said he got to ride the helicopter – and in Mr Tata’s Ferrari – soon after. Their last meeting was in April this year.
“I had this feeling that was going to be our last time together, and sadly, it was. When I learned of his death, I travelled for hours to pay my respects to my good friend.”
Singaporean Mark Chong, 45, who came to know Mr Tata through the course of business in the early 2000s, said the latter’s sense of humour made him a “vibrant individual to be around”.
“I used to call him ‘Rhino’, while he referred to me as ‘Lizard’. I can’t help but feel emotional when I think about it,” said Mr Chong, who added that Mr Tata would send mangoes to him every year from India.
“Whenever he was in Singapore, we would take the MRT together. Some people would recognise him and even touch his feet to receive his blessings. I was truly impressed by how he connected with everyone in such a genuine manner.”
Mr Chong said Mr Tata’s ethical approach to business and the endless charity work he would undertake always inspired him. “The charity he provided to the less fortunate spoke volumes of his character,” he said.
Humility was another salient attribute of the man, according to Mr Malminderjit Singh, chairman of the Sikh Advisory Board and a corporate affairs consultant.
“I knew Mr Tata when he served as chairman of the Institute of Societal Leadership at Singapore Management University, where I was the editorial and content head,” Mr Singh said.
“He was always accessible, even as a global business icon. During our first conversation, he made an effort to connect with me. I mentioned that I was a third-generation Singaporean, and he responded by sharing that his ancestors were also immigrants. He didn’t have to do that, but he recognised my nervousness and wanted to make me feel at ease.
“He also stressed the importance of giving back to the community, a value that has stayed with me.”
