In a society where the young is often separated from the old, the friendship between the 84 years old boss of Tata group Ratan Tata and the 29-year-old boy and a fan Shantanu Naidu went viral in India. Both survive together with Paul against all odds and the longevity of the presented relationship emphasizes that the only limitations do not exist for true love.
Sometimes friendships blossom between two strangers who meet without knowing that they will be friends.
Everything started from a benevolence I offered. Shantanu Naidu a young graduate working at Tata Group in 2014 drew the attention of Ratan Tata by suggesting the development of technology to save stray dogs from being knocked down by vehicles. Little did he know that was the beginning of a friendship that would revolutionalize the lives of both individuals.
Earlier in our conversation, Naidu described how he first felt when met Mr. Tata: “Yes, it was like, wow,” Naidu said with Emotion. “This man could be a complete prick and never be harsh – that is how humble he was and interested in my profession.” That is a feature that a lot of other platforms lack:’Looking it felt like talking to a mentor, a friend.’
Breaking Barriers: Age Is Just a Number
This is why while other people might frown at 55-year age difference between Tata and Naidu, it is actually in their blind spot. They break all barriers of generation, gender discrimination and remind the outside world that friendship is a religion that does not have any set age bar.
A sociologist specialising in intergenerational relations Dr Meenakshi Jain said ‘And it is what we are witnessing in the Renault Tata’s relationship with his successor Shantanu Naidu, where you have the head and the heart, where knowledge and new ideas can be complementaries.’ It’s one that continually teaches consumers that even when it comes to technology they are not smarter but rather there is something that everyone can learn from the other from the youngest to the oldest.
A Mutual Exchange of Knowledge and Respect
It isn’t just that they’re similar in interests; the relationship isn’t one sided, but rather both of them get to learn from each other. Tata shares his experience with Naidu on how to handle both life and business. In turn, Naidu makes an octogenarian feel in touch with younger gens of workers, informing him about novelties in technology and innovative concepts.
‘Mr. Tata often says that I am his tech guru,’ Naidu laughs. But the fact is, I am learning more from him every day. That is why I find it unbelievable smart and compassionate at the same time.
More Than Just Business: A Personal Connection
On the professional side their interactions are captured on camera but it is the intimate moments that show how close they actually are. Dinner talks and random dates are very much a part of their lives because they want their friendship to continue to grow strong.
Says a friend of the two: It’s wonderful watching them walk around together. They joke, they argue, they listen to and tell their anecdotes. It is rather like watching a grandfather and grandson – but with the difference of respect and admiration to one’s partner. As we reflect on this extraordinary friendship, one can’t help but wonder: What can everyone else learn from Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu??Maybe it is purposed to encourage people rise above the labels and embrace the individual on a higher level.
At a time when it appears as if the world has been pulled literally into halves, they are inspirations to humanity. It teaches us the lesson that no matter who we are – if we are friends, then distance, age or social status do not matter. That is why, as we proceed further, it is only natural to start paying attention to the remarkable friendship of two completely incompatible individuals.In fact, those spheres of vision can be best illustrated by the quote by Ratan Tata “What you see depends not only on what you look at, but where you look from.”And occasionally the loveliest friendships are born from a view point that is entirely different.
Please click the link to read more: https://yourstory.com/2020/01/shantanu-naidu-ratan-tata-assistant-motopaws
