Ratan Tata's Legacy: ₹500 Crore in the Name of an Entrepreneur

After the passing of Ratan Tata, former honorary chairman of the Tata Group, a new name has emerged in the list of beneficiaries of his wealth—entrepreneur Mohini Mohan Dutta. A resident of Jamshedpur, Dutta was highly regarded by Ratan Tata, and now he is set to receive assets worth ₹500 crore.

Following Ratan Tata's demise, several lesser-known aspects of his life have come to light.
Seventy-four-year-old Dutta was once a regular employee of the Tata Group. His first encounter with young Ratan Tata took place at the Deals Hostel in Tisco (Tata Steel). This meeting led to a long-lasting friendship. In 1964, Dutta made significant contributions to Tata Motors (then known as the Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company - TELCO) as a trainer.

At the time, no one could have imagined that this friendship would one day be recognized in such a significant way. According to Tata’s final wishes, it was revealed how a 24-year-old Ratan Tata received assistance and companionship from Dutta in Jamshedpur. Together, they started a small travel agency, which later became part of Tata’s travel division. Tata Capital later sold it to Thomas Cook (India). Even today, Dutta remains a director in TCS Travel Services.
Dutta also holds shares in Tata Capital and other Tata Group companies, and he continues to be involved in various businesses under the Tata Group.

Currently, the process of executing Ratan Tata’s will is underway in the probate court. A legal assessment will be conducted to ensure there are no irregularities. Only after this process will it be determined how much property Mohini Mohan Dutta will actually inherit.
Nonetheless, this revelation has once again shed light on an important and lesser-known chapter of Ratan Tata’s life.