As India honours the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we reflect on his tireless marches, stirring speeches, and unwavering pursuit of justice. While much has been written about the Mahatma, there remains a lesser-known chapter — one where he found an unexpected ally within one of India's most prominent industrial families, the Tatas.

Sir Ratan Tata, the younger son of the legendary industrialist Jamsetji Tata, was not only instrumental in the development of Indian industry but also deeply invested in humanity’s broader struggles. His universal outlook and philanthropic heart made him one of the first Indians to materially aid Gandhiji in his battle against racism in South Africa.

At the dawn of the 20th century, when Mahatma Gandhi was fighting the oppression of Indians in South Africa, Sir Ratan Tata recognised the importance of this struggle. He saw it not merely as a fight for the rights of a community but as a battle against a deeper systemic evil — one that mirrored the global fight against all forms of racism and oppression. Between 1909 and 1913, Sir Ratan donated a sum of ₹1.25 lakh to support Gandhi's work in South Africa.

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In a letter dated November 1909 to the esteemed social reformer Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Sir Ratan wrote with urgency and compassion: "I feel I should lose no more time in doing my duty by our brave and suffering brethren in the Transvaal." Enclosed in the letter was a cheque for ₹25,000, intended for Gandhi to use in alleviating the destitution of Indians suffering under discriminatory laws. It wasn't a one-time gesture either; over the years, Sir Ratan’s support remained steadfast, as he continued to provide moral and financial aid, bolstering Gandhi's fight for justice.

But Sir Ratan Tata's vision for uplifting society was not limited to supporting political struggles. Between 1913 and 1917, Sir Ratan funded archaeological excavations in Pataliputra, which led to the discovery of important artefacts from the Mauryan dynasty, including the 100-column throne room in King Ashoka's palace.

Knighted in 1916 in recognition of his remarkable contributions to humanity, Sir Ratan's life came to an untimely end in 1918 when he died at the age of just 47. Yet, his legacy lived on, enshrined in the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which he established in his will.

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Feature image courtesy: Shutterstock AI.