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The passing of Ratan Tata, a titan of Indian industry, has left a void that extends far beyond the Tata Group. His influence transcended boardrooms, inspiring countless individuals, including Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Cabs. In a heartfelt tribute, Aggarwal expressed his profound gratitude for Tata's mentorship and the deep impact he had on his life and career.
Aggarwal's relationship with Tata dates back to 2008, when Tata was the guest speaker at his IIT Bombay convocation. As a young graduate, Aggarwal was captivated by Tata's message about serving the country, a sentiment that resonated deeply with him and became a guiding principle throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Their paths crossed again in 2015 when Tata decided to invest in Ola. This marked the beginning of a close relationship that went beyond business dealings.
Aggarwal describes Tata as a mentor who took a personal interest in his growth, providing guidance and encouragement. Their interactions were not limited to board meetings; Tata demonstrated his commitment to Ola's success by spending a full day in Bengaluru with Aggarwal's team in 2016. He engaged with the company, displaying immense curiosity and grace, solidifying his role as a trusted advisor.
One particularly poignant memory for Aggarwal was when Tata played a pivotal role in the founding of Ola Electric. In 2017, Tata invited Aggarwal to Mumbai, stating he wanted to show him something exciting. They flew in Tata's private plane to Coimbatore to visit Tata's personal project: developing electric vehicles from the Tata Nano. This experience was instrumental in Aggarwal's decision to venture into the electric vehicle market, showcasing Tata's influence even in his personal endeavors.
Beyond his business acumen, Tata's compassion and commitment to animal welfare also deeply affected Aggarwal. Tata's office was often shared by stray dogs, reflecting his love for animals. This inspired Aggarwal to adopt a similar ethos within Ola, resulting in the adoption of nearly 30 stray dogs across their offices and factories. This gesture reflects the powerful ripple effect of Tata's values, extending beyond business into social responsibility.
In the wake of Tata's passing, Aggarwal reflected on the profound impact of having witnessed such an extraordinary man up close, drawing inspiration from his ideal of striving for excellence. While Tata's physical presence is gone, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire generations to come. He leaves behind a void, but his enduring influence will serve as a guiding light for entrepreneurs and individuals alike.
Source: When Ratan Tata took Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal on his plane to show 'something exciting'