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

I have just received this book. At first glance it doesn't seem like a new book. The front and back covers have folded corners and the edges of the pages are gray. Definitely doesn't feel like a new book.

A beautiful book that needs to reach every reader. So pure and honest. Loved every bit of it. Left me teary eyed and quite satisfied. :)

This book has restored my faith in humanity. The flawless kindness we are all capable of, true meaning of friendship and most importantly the sincerity of a human being. I'm in awe of Mr. Ratan Tata and the values he upholds. And moreover proud of the author for constantly levelling up to be the best he can be in service to a legend. (I don't even know the author >.<)

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 ;)

Its a heartwarming book, making you feel smile, sad, belonged and inspired all together. The raw and unfiltered writing makes it so easy and a delight to read. While the respect and warmth of RNT only increases after reading this, the innocence and dedication of Shantanu with which he pursues everything is one of the takeaways for me. His childlike-enthusiasm to do such big impactful things is commendable.

This book was an unexpected surprise for me. It was so endearing and warm to read about the personal side of Ratan Tata from the eyes of the author. The friendship felt uncanny at first but as it progressed the realisation of genuineness in their newfound relationship only blossomed into wonderful experiences. The book reflected the honesty and affection of the author quite elegantly. Especially when Shantanu wrote about his dog Winter, there was a smile on my face the entire time. It's written very well and keeps the reader quite engaged through all the ups and downs of situations one would rarely to but the emotions were mutual. A sincere memoir by a young man of what it's like to be with Ratan Tata, personally and professionally. It's totally a must read not only to know the other side of the man, the myth Ratan Tata but also to indulge in the very fascinating journey of the author.