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

‘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.

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 ;)