Bombay House stands out from other conglomerate headquarters due to its unique features. When entering the colonial-era building, visitors are routinely searched, but it's not uncommon to see a stray dog casually walk in.
For many years, the staff has been instructed to allow free access for stray dogs, all thanks to one man's love and concern for them: Ratan Tata, who served as the chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and later returned for a brief period.
Sadly, the former chairman of Tata Group passed away at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 86.
Legend has it that Tata once witnessed a stray dog struggling in the rain outside Bombay House, which prompted him to issue the specific instruction to allow full access for canines.
His compassion for strays was so profound that when the Group renovated Bombay House a few years ago, a dedicated kennel was constructed on the ground floor of the property starting in 2018.
The spacious kennel is equipped with various amenities that would make any human envious.
To start, there is a designated area where the dogs are bathed by an attendant, and there is also a bunk bed for them to nap on.
The room has blinds and climate control to ensure that it provides the best rest possible for the dogs.
Some of the strays are permanent residents of Bombay House, but there are also occasional visitors who receive the same treatment.
Ratan Tata's love for pets, especially strays, extends well beyond those in the immediate vicinity of Bombay House.
Earlier this year, a guest staying at the Tata Group's IHCL-run Taj Hotel shared a heartwarming tale of a stray dog sleeping peacefully at the premium hotel's entrance and was told about its roots being in Ratan Tata's instructions.
Tata Trusts, which was headed by Ratan Tata, had also built a small pet hospital at a prime place in south central Mumbai's Mahalaxmi.
In fact, it was the shared concern for pets which connected Ratan Tata with his long-time assistant Shantanu Naidu. According to some reports, Pune-based Naidu wrote to Tata about a dog collar with reflectors to ensure the safety of the dog.
Follow us
