Produced & Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Goa, a black dog with white paws, stayed beside Ratan Tata’s casket, a testament to their bond and Tata’s lifelong love for dogs. Known for his compassion, Tata often chose his pets over accolades, and in this final moment, Goa’s presence showed the depth of their connection.
As mourners gathered at NCPA to bid farewell to Ratan Tata, the presence of Goa, sitting quietly beside the casket draped in the Tricolour, was a heartbreaking reminder of their inseparable companionship.
In a moving moment, Goa clung to the spot next to Tata’s casket, wagging his tail yet refusing to leave. It was a scene that captured the unspoken connection between a man and his beloved pet.
Goa wasn’t just any dog; he was named after the place where he first met Tata. During a visit, a stray dog began to follow Tata, and, touched by its loyalty, he decided to bring him home, naming him Goa.
After their fateful meeting in Goa, Ratan Tata brought the stray dog to Mumbai, offering him a home at Bombay House. Goa became a fixture at Tata’s office, embodying Tata’s compassion for animals.
Ratan Tata once missed a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony in London, organized by Prince Charles, to care for his ailing dog. It was a decision that demonstrated his unwavering love for his pets, a love that Goa would later return at Tata’s farewell.
Ratan Tata’s empathy for dogs was evident even in Bombay House, where stray dogs were welcomed. The dedicated kennel at the headquarters was just one of many ways he cared for the voiceless.
For 11 years, Goa stayed by Tata’s side, becoming more than just a pet. Their bond was so deep that Goa’s silent presence at Tata’s farewell felt like a tribute from one old friend to another.
The video of Goa, the grieving dog, sitting by Tata’s casket went viral, touching hearts worldwide. Many were moved by the story of a stray that found a home and became a symbol of loyalty and love.
Prince Charles, upon hearing why Ratan Tata missed the award ceremony, expressed admiration for his decision. “That’s a man,” he reportedly said. Tata’s choice highlighted the profound bond he shared with his pets—a bond that Goa honored during Tata’s final farewell.