‘I have noted your request…’: Ratan Tata’s kindness in simple email to intern wins hearts online | Today’s news
A LinkedIn post describing an interaction with Ratan Tata struck an emotional chord online, with users praising the late industrialist’s humility and sharing stories of their own encounters with him.
Sneha Biswas, founder and CEO of Boston-based Early Steps Academy, recently shared a screenshot of an email she received from Tata in January 2020 while interning at Tata Steel under CEO TV Narendran at Bombay House.
In her post, Ms. Biswas reflected on receiving a response from Tata after reaching out to him and said the interaction left a lasting impression on her.
“The fact that he was really kind as a supervisor to take the time to read AND respond to my email. To an intern. He doesn’t need to. Many supervisors 1/3 his age are so snobbish they don’t care to answer to anyone!” she wrote.
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The email showed Tata thanking her for writing to him, acknowledging her family’s connection to the Tata group and responding to her request for a meeting. He also noted that he “will try” to meet with her by January 22.
Check out the viral post here:
Ms Biswas said she was particularly touched by the fact that Tata responded personally despite being 82 years old and receiving countless emails.
“He was 82 at the time. It wasn’t a young age when you’re on the phone all the time, so it’s easy to keep track of every email. And the amount of email he must be getting. And yet he read because – He was the person – who cared,” she said.
The businessman also recalled how Tata’s office later reached out to arrange a meeting.
“Someone from his office called, said RnT was looking for Sneha 🥹🥹 and asked about the date. I was already booked to fly back to the US.”
She believed then that another opportunity would arise.
“I thought you didn’t have to worry, next time.
However, this meeting never took place.
“But there was no next time. 😭”
Ms. Biswas said she spent the following years in the United States and later immersed herself in business.
“I was mostly in the US for the next few years and then the business got absorbed and somewhere along the way Mr Tata died in 2024.”
“Yes, some regrets stay with you forever 💔”
She added that she still revisits the email from time to time and sees it as a reminder of the type of leader she hopes to become.
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“If I ever have the privilege – to be even a tenth of what Mr. Dad was – I hope to maintain humility, warmth and sincerity not only to those above me or my peers, but also to complete strangers ☺️”
The post resonated with many users who said it reflected the qualities they most associated with Tata.
One commenter wrote: “The fact that he responded to an 82-year-old intern’s email and took the time to read and respond shows what real leadership looks like.”
Another said: “Thank you Sneh Biswas for sharing this beautiful piece of his legacy. It’s an incredible story and a powerful reminder that the most successful leaders are often the most humble.”
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A third user added: “Kindness in leadership builds trust, inspires people and leaves a lasting impact.”
Several others also shared personal experiences of meeting Tata, describing him as kind, generous and genuinely interested in people. For many readers, Ms. Biswas’ story served as another reminder of the leadership qualities that have made Ratan Tata one of the most admired figures in Indian business.
