There are books that entertain, some that educate, and then there are rare gems that touch your soul and linger long after the last page has been turned. Shantanu Naidu’s I Came Upon a Lighthouse belongs to the latter category. A heartfelt, intimate portrayal of an extraordinary man—Ratan Naval Tata—this book is not just a memoir but a window into a world where kindness, humility, and wit are the pillars of greatness.
Ratan Tata needs no introduction. He was India’s one of most respected industrialists, a business tycoon, former chairperson of Tata Trusts, a social entrepreneur, and a philanthropist, whose heart beat for dogs & whose brain always thought of ways to better the lives of people of this country. India lost its Ratan in early October of 2024. The world mourned the death of this visionary gent, as they called him a man with no haters. For Indians certainly, the passing away of RNT was personal. His unparalleled grace, wisdom, and humanity left an indelible mark on countless lives.
The day Ratan Tata, the extraordinary man this book revolves around, passed away, I felt an insatiable urge to understand him like really— not through media eulogies or fleeting anecdotes. I wanted it raw, real and close. And the moment this book landed on my doorstep, I knew it would be a transformative experience. And it was.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I read a book in one sitting. This wasn’t just about the brevity of the book but its magnetic pull. Shantanu Naidu, with his warm and witty storytelling, brings Ratan Tata to life—not as a towering business magnate but as a human being of rare charm and boundless wisdom. Every anecdote, every interaction shared by Shantanu drew me in deeper. It wasn’t just a reading experience; it was a journey, a privilege to get a glimpse of RNT’s life and the profound impact he had on those around him.
What sets this book apart is its sincerity. Shantanu’s perspective as RNT’s young friend brings a fresh, unfiltered lens to the narrative. Through his eyes, we meet a man who, despite his stature, embodies simplicity, humor, and an unrelenting passion for making the world a better place.
The book’s tone is conversational, almost as if Shantanu is sitting across. You’ll laugh at the lighthearted moments—like Tata’s quips about technology or his love for dogs—and feel an ache in your heart at the poignant ones. And by the end, you’ll find yourself wanting to emulate even a fraction of the grace and generosity this man possessed. At least I did.
Reading this book was not just enlightening but deeply moving. It’s rare to encounter a figure who inspires such universal admiration and love. Ratan Tata’s life is a testament to the power of authenticity and humility. It’s an undeniable fact, the world, especially India knows about. But glancing through Shantanu’s eyes, the exact moments and instances, just made me reflect on how much of an impact one individual can have, not through grandiose acts but through genuine care and connection.
When he is done with the haircut, he won’t just tip the hairdresser, he will tip the person who shampooed his hair, the person who got him coffee, the person who swept the hair off the floor. And then he will turn around to ensure I have done the same, before finally leaving. That’s how he teaches me things, in the best way possible: by example.
What made this journey even more heartening was knowing that Ratan Tata knew that people loved him. He deserved every bit of it, and Shantanu’s heartfelt anecdotes capture just how deeply he was cherished & respected by those around him.
I found myself wanting to relive every instance Shantanu shared, to listen to the music RNT recommended, and to feel the world through his lens. And while it broke my heart to realize that such a luminous presence is no longer with us, I’m grateful for the privilege of knowing him in some small way through these pages.
I Came Upon a Lighthouse is more than a book; it’s an experience, a celebration of a life well-lived. It’s a gentle reminder that true greatness lies not in what we achieve but in how we touch the lives of others and how much thoughtfulness matters. Shantanu Naidu’s words immortalize Ratan Tata’s spirit, making it a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, warmth, and a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary human being.
This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and most importantly, it will make you pause and think.
He made me want to be perfect, made me want to be honest. When you’re in the company of someone as black and white as him, your greys get washed away.
RNT was a lighthouse, he is actually, and the day I can embody even a fraction of spirit this gent possessed would be the day I’d actually & in the truest form be able to pay tribute to him. He lives in the people whose lives he has touched. Indeed an epitome of wit & wisdom.