Legacy – More than what we leave behind

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One of the Titans of Business, Mr. Ratan Tata, has left a legacy for the ages. By all accounts, it was more than just the business empire he built. Across the spectrum, the outpouring of respect for him has focused on his humanitarian side—his humility and countless gestures, from inquiring about the well-being of common people to his concern for their families, and his deep love for his dogs. This is his true legacy. In a world where staged empathy and choreographed photo ops often grab attention, genuine care and compassion for fellow humans resonate far more deeply.

Like many in India, the name Tata always meant trust to me. There was something about the Tata brand that had already impacted generations before mine, and that trust persisted through turbulent times and kept growing. Try as I might, I cannot recall an instance of any negativity surrounding the Tatas, largely due to the integrity and values of Mr. Ratan Tata himself. His principles shaped not only the business group but also the generations of people who looked up to him.

This reflection on legacy isn’t unique to Mr. Tata. It’s a question many of history’s greatest figures have faced. The story of the Emperor who achieved the title of ‘Chakravarti’ offers a powerful reflection on this.  One night, he dreamed he had passed away and was invited to hang his nameplate on a prestigious mountain, reserved only for emperors. However, when he arrived, the mountain was already full of names from past rulers. A guard suggested he could replace an existing name with his own, but as he was about to do so, he hesitated, realizing his name could just as easily be removed in the future. This epiphany made him reconsider the true nature of legacy—a legacy that would truly endure. 

Legacy is often defined as “the long-lasting impact of events, actions, or a person’s life.” By this definition, the Emperor had already done enough to leave his mark. But the deeper essence of legacy is not just what someone did, but how they will be remembered. Many have contributed vast fortunes to create institutions that provide essentials like healthcare, education, and dignity for millions. While these are extraordinary achievements deserving of immense gratitude, in my view, they do not solely define a person’s legacy.

Take Alfred Nobel, for instance. He’s known for the Nobel Prizes, but that is not his legacy alone. Nobel was a chemist and inventor, famous for creating dynamite—a contribution that could be seen as controversial. Yet, his legacy transcends this invention. It lies in his personal growth and his decision to focus on promoting peace and human progress. A legacy is not just about what a person accomplished but who they became in the process and how their personal evolution continues to affect others long after they are gone. True legacy reflects the growth, character, and enduring influence of the individual behind their achievements.

One of my neighbors, a retired gentleman, makes birdhouses in his garage and uses the profits to assist an Ukrainian family who have migrated to Canada. He also generously removes snow for any one of the 16 houses in our lane, if it is uncleared. Then there’s Sir Nicolas Winton, who quietly rescued 669 children during World War II, working tirelessly to bring them to Britain and find them homes. His incredible act of heroism remained unknown for nearly 50 years until a 1988 television program revealed his story to the world. The legacies of these men will be remembered and shared because of their character and values. 

As we reflect on our lives, the most important question may not be what we’ll be remembered for, but who we’ll be remembered as. So, as I say goodbye to Mr. Tata, I can’t help but think back to my childhood, where the name “Tata” became synonymous with farewells—”Tata Mr. Tata.”

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