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 :)

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!

To begin with, I have been buying myself books that I wanted to read for quite sometime now but for whatever reasons... I could never completely finish reading any of it. Your book surpassed that for me.. it was pleasant, relatable and most importantly simple(in terms of words used). I am actually very happy that I could finish the book completely! Coming down to the content of the memoir... it has so much to give!! Every bit of it has warmth, love, kindness... subtle jokes, the leg pulling.. witty replies.. the emotion of departure from loved ones.. *loneliness*.. confusion of 'what now?' 'How do we do it?'... it's all so clearly and simply put down to words. Coincidentally, there's so much happening in my life which carries similar emotions and confusions as your initial days mentioned in the memoir. I kinda belive now that if I ever get to a point where I am clueless.. I could go through your book. The story of how you got your buddy Winter is such a beautiful story. The length to which you went to set up a home for him is something I'll keep in mind before getting a pet for myself. I am not much of a pet lover. I do love them but I don't push myself too much on that emotion. Lately, I've been wanting to get myself a pup(I can't get one anytime sooner for too many reasons) but whenever I am ready.. I'll kinda know where to start and how I should prepare myself for a pet. Thanks to you! Then.... yes! The way you explained how much of a tug-of-war you were having in your mind w.r.t what you thought you could speak and what you couldn't in front of Mr. Tata might seem silly but it's so important. It's something I struggle with on a daily basis. The amount of thought you have put regarding your parents in understanding them at every step of the way that's something to appreciate, not many have it in them these days! We become so self centered at times! The learings you have got from Mr. Tata.. you did not have to put them out to the world but you did... how much ever you have put out there, I am thankful to you. In the fast growing world there's very less importance given to discipline, empathy and valuing(emotions, relationships).. you have kinda made me believe it still exist. There'so much more that I felt while reading the book.. I am not able to recollect them now. I am probably going to read the book again to relive all the emotions again.... A big thanks to Sanjana, her illustrations added more meaning to your story.. it made the book so much more colorful and lively.. the child in me relived(feels of a complete story book)! I am hoping to come across more books written by you. I am happy I came across your story on Humans of Bombay. I don't usually drop messages on the DMs of celebs... your witty replies and your kind-heart kinda made me do even that. I am actually very surprised and kinda confusedly happy on receiving your replies!! I tried my best to put down my thoughts.. I don't think I have done my best but I couldn't wait any longer! tee-hee! 🤭 Take care! ❤

I always craved to know sir in person!! This book helped me with that! Allowing me to know about his smile, curiosities, love, kindness, greatness, funny and kid like moments!!! I feel happy I chose this book and experienced these moments and journey which he did! He definitely is a Lighthouse for so many of us too!!! Someone you can be inspired by, someone who can blow you awake with one kind smile but I guess for us never being able to witness the same in person leaves us heartbreaking! Only because I read this book I think i still feel somewhat content about it! ♥️ the illustrations are really help to imagine and live those moments from the perspective of the people who actual were in those moments! 🥰 Thank you for sharing these moments and also to your family for asking you have the red diary where these memory notes started !!!!

‘I came upon a lighthouse‘ is a memoir by Shantanu Naidu which is about his journey and the bond he shares with Mr. Ratan Tata. It is an account of moments he got to live with him and all the guidance and learnings that he has received. Finding a boss, mentor, and a friend in just one person is a dream for many, and if that one person turns out to be Mr. Tata, then surely it is more than a dream come true. I loved how Shantanu has presented everything with a sense of clarity, honesty, and utmost warmth. He has shared about his background, family, friends, and of course, ‘motopaws‘, the reason behind all this happening. This gives you an insight into his personality. Along with all his achievements, Shantanu has talked about his fears and tangled thoughts with transparency. This book does not brag about all the good things only but, there is a sensible and sincere reflection on past experiences by the author. While reminiscing about his old memories, Naidu gives readers a chance to understand the less explored personality of Mr. Tata. We all have read this multiple times that Ratan Tata is a great industrialist and philanthropist but this memoir gives an introduction of a completely different side of him where there is a child like innocence, a big warm heart, and a great friend. Everything about this book is beautiful, but my favorite from this book has to be the part where there is an unfeigned discussion over ‘Nano‘. I have read quite a lot of articles and case studies on it, but nothing as heartfelt as it is in this book. Sometimes logic and strategies can not be a sufficient measure to weigh the vision of doing good for humankind. I have always been an admirer of Mr. Tata and so reading this book was a treat for me. It is one of those books that gives a positive vibe, shares happiness, and makes you believe in yourself. It feels like reading the story of a boy next door, who is just like us, with his own share of failures and self-doubts but is finding his ways to be better every day. Shantanu’s memoir will conveniently convince you in believing that the distance from being ordinary to extraordinary can be travelled by anyone if there is will and dedication to learn and unlearn consistently.

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.

I really don't know how Shantanu managed to write this so beautifully. Every small detail in this book is beautiful. I used to be an avid reader, and I stopped reading a few years back. I had purchased this book and it was in my to-read. I took my Kindle with me on a getaway and since the internet was low and phone was out of charge, I decided to pick this book up. I don't know how, but once I started reading, I really couldn't stop. I finished the entire book in 2 days. This book gives Shantanu’s perception (based on his experience) with Mr. Ratan Tata. I got to learn a lot from his experiences with Mr. Tata, and I am inspired to be like him, although, I am not quite sure if I can even be 0.01% of the man that he is. Shantanu’s life story is quite inspiring as well. I admire him deeply, and look up to him. As a dog-lover, I am eternally grateful for his invention (Motopaws). I have a lot to say about this book, but I'd prefer if you would much rather pick this book up yourself. You will not be disappointed. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing for the most part of the book. It was quirky, and I really liked Shantanu’s writing style. I am surprised that he even got time to write this book amidst all his commitments. But be that is may, I am really happy that he put it out there. I would like to finish this off by saying one last thing—Nano is one of Mr. Tata’s greatest gift to Indians. If we choose to not recognise it because of some bruised ego, and we did not (now that it's pulled out of production), we are a failure to humanity. The thought behind the manufacturing of that car was not thought of by anyone, but rather, what was thought of is the societal status, which is non-existent for people who are riding a bike with 2 kids and a woman on it. If that car were sold even now, it would probably be my first purchase. It is indeed a cute little button, haha! I would always deeply admire Mr. Tata, and I am really happy that Shantanu has Mr. Tata in his life, and vice-versa. He is one of the greatest gift to India. And if people fail to recognise it, it really is their loss.