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I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir Of Life With Ratan Tata
An endearing portrait of an Indian legend
I told him that when I write a book, I would write about another side of him and not just historic events or business milestones. I would write about us and our adventures together, and how I saw him, colours and shades of him unknown to the world. Life beyond the great steel wall of 'industry doyen'.
He agreed. 'There cannot be one book that captures everything ... So you do your thing, give your perspective.'
It was their shared empathy for homeless dogs that sparked an unlikely friendship. In 2014, Shantanu Naidu, an automobile design engineer in his early twenties, developed an innovation to save the local strays from being run over by speeding cars. Ratan Tata, himself known for his compassion for stray dogs, took note. Impressed, he not only decided to invest in the venture, but over the years became a mentor, boss and an unexpectedly dear friend to Shantanu.
I Came Upon a Lighthouse is an honest, light-hearted telling of this uncommon bond between a millennial and an octogenarian that gives glimpses of a beloved Indian icon in a warm light.
I told him that when I write a book, I would write about another side of him and not just historic events or business milestones. I would write about us and our adventures together, and how I saw him, colours and shades of him unknown to the world. Life beyond the great steel wall of 'industry doyen'.
He agreed. 'There cannot be one book that captures everything ... So you do your thing, give your perspective.'
It was their shared empathy for homeless dogs that sparked an unlikely friendship. In 2014, Shantanu Naidu, an automobile design engineer in his early twenties, developed an innovation to save the local strays from being run over by speeding cars. Ratan Tata, himself known for his compassion for stray dogs, took note. Impressed, he not only decided to invest in the venture, but over the years became a mentor, boss and an unexpectedly dear friend to Shantanu.
I Came Upon a Lighthouse is an honest, light-hearted telling of this uncommon bond between a millennial and an octogenarian that gives glimpses of a beloved Indian icon in a warm light.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2021
314 people are currently reading
2823 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
October 14, 2024
One of the most easiest read while I was on vacation. It would be pretty unfair of me to say that this book is a good memoir or a book that's filled with life-changing events.
However, I appreciate the ease with which the book can be read by anyone.
The highlight would be the colourful and cute illustrations. Kudos to the artist.
I would say the book is a good, short read about the author's experience of having in contact with Ratan Tata and his younger days of having innovative ideas that played a huge role in his life.
I would have liked the book more if it told about the background of the innovative ideas the author had in details, and also how these ideas made a difference. I feel like I was reading a book only at the surface level to call it a memoir.
Perfect for beginners and readers who wants to have a short, nonfiction read.
However, I appreciate the ease with which the book can be read by anyone.
The highlight would be the colourful and cute illustrations. Kudos to the artist.
I would say the book is a good, short read about the author's experience of having in contact with Ratan Tata and his younger days of having innovative ideas that played a huge role in his life.
I would have liked the book more if it told about the background of the innovative ideas the author had in details, and also how these ideas made a difference. I feel like I was reading a book only at the surface level to call it a memoir.
Perfect for beginners and readers who wants to have a short, nonfiction read.
January 11, 2021
Unputdownable. It's a heartwarming story penned like nostalgia narrated around bonfires on cold winter nights. Before getting a glimpse into the life of Mr. Ratan Tata, you'll be introduced to Shantanu's humble beginnings, simple aspirations, family values, and events that pushed him to pen a letter to Mr. Ratan Tata. The letter not only starts a remarkable friendship but also marks the journey of Mr. Ratan Tata and Shantanu working tirelessly to positively impact many lives in the years to come.
It's a beautiful tale of friendship, love, business school life, career, interpersonal dynamics, new ventures, and mentorship. You will find yourself smiling many times as you read about Shantanu's stories and reminisce similar instances from your 20s! Sanjana's illustrations will transport you back in time as if the events are happening in front of you. Her beautiful sketches will definitely make you feel mushy.
You'll rediscover the values of friendship, love, and respect in this beautiful book. It's hard to imagine that all of this actually happened. And it all started with a letter!
It's a beautiful tale of friendship, love, business school life, career, interpersonal dynamics, new ventures, and mentorship. You will find yourself smiling many times as you read about Shantanu's stories and reminisce similar instances from your 20s! Sanjana's illustrations will transport you back in time as if the events are happening in front of you. Her beautiful sketches will definitely make you feel mushy.
You'll rediscover the values of friendship, love, and respect in this beautiful book. It's hard to imagine that all of this actually happened. And it all started with a letter!
July 11, 2021
A fortunate fifth-generation Tata employee got an opportunity to spend time with Mr. Ratan Tata as his personal assistant on all his endeavors with the Tata Trust. He gives an inside view of what he thinks about various social issues and his approach to running a business in general. We often associate words like 'Trust', 'Values', 'Social' when we talk about business from the house of Tatas. He tries his best to tell us why we do so and how it trickles from the top.
A beautiful, honest millennial take on the man himself from a very relatable guy coming from a simple background. I am sure reading this would put a smile on your face!
A beautiful, honest millennial take on the man himself from a very relatable guy coming from a simple background. I am sure reading this would put a smile on your face!
June 4, 2023
Honest candid memoir pivoted around the life of Mr Ratan Tata.
Written in a simple easy way, to communicate the events and thoughts behind them. Not for an embellished prose or strong pretentious punches generally found in memoirs.
The cover is from an incidence when Mr Tata pulled out some of his books from his home library to discuss a reference with the author. There are other such incidences on how Mr Tata wanted to revisit a memo written in 1996 after a couple of decades.
Many chapters brought a smile while reading. Especially Sunflower.
Using those lively illustrations instead of picture plates won my heart over. Great job by the illustrator.
Overall:
A light and easy read, which helped me understand the life of Shantanu with Mr Tata. At the same time, it has piqued my interest to read more on Ratan, JRD and the Tatas.
Very much recommended.
Written in a simple easy way, to communicate the events and thoughts behind them. Not for an embellished prose or strong pretentious punches generally found in memoirs.
The cover is from an incidence when Mr Tata pulled out some of his books from his home library to discuss a reference with the author. There are other such incidences on how Mr Tata wanted to revisit a memo written in 1996 after a couple of decades.
Many chapters brought a smile while reading. Especially Sunflower.
Using those lively illustrations instead of picture plates won my heart over. Great job by the illustrator.
Overall:
A light and easy read, which helped me understand the life of Shantanu with Mr Tata. At the same time, it has piqued my interest to read more on Ratan, JRD and the Tatas.
Very much recommended.
February 14, 2021
I would give this book a 10/5 if I could!
There are very few books you know you'd love even before reading, and this is definitely tops that list. The book is very real, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences of an adult in his 20s- finding an education, career, purpose, friends, love, failure... with a lighthouse guiding his way to shore. But what's defining is, Shantanu made me feel I was a part of the experiences too! I don't want to give away anything, so in simple words, his Millennial Dumbledore cast a spell of humility, hope, happiness and humour on me, and I only wish that the spell is never reversed :')
To Shantaa-nu,
I'm proud that you are a representative of our generation to India's Stalwart. You came upon a lighthouse, and made sure we saw him too... and I promise, we did!
There are very few books you know you'd love even before reading, and this is definitely tops that list. The book is very real, filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences of an adult in his 20s- finding an education, career, purpose, friends, love, failure... with a lighthouse guiding his way to shore. But what's defining is, Shantanu made me feel I was a part of the experiences too! I don't want to give away anything, so in simple words, his Millennial Dumbledore cast a spell of humility, hope, happiness and humour on me, and I only wish that the spell is never reversed :')
To Shantaa-nu,
I'm proud that you are a representative of our generation to India's Stalwart. You came upon a lighthouse, and made sure we saw him too... and I promise, we did!
July 1, 2022
3.5/5, cute, wholesome light read. Quite simple, in a good way. Makes you smile at some instances too. Overall, a good mood lifting or neutral book. Inspiring? Yes. Do I recommend? Only if you're interested in this subject or want to try easy to understand non fiction. Story is very easy to understand and kind of flows forward. A kind and warm story.
Things that went off 4me ( PS i don't like non fic in general) :
Just that the narration now and then felt like a travelogue and the whole book Felt like a narration ( um maybe it was). Could've been a few more dialogues I guess?? The first half of the book felt better than the other half.
Read because I was interested in this ever since it was news. And also i kind of have a crush on the writer so ☺️
Instagram @BookStarred
Things that went off 4me ( PS i don't like non fic in general) :
Just that the narration now and then felt like a travelogue and the whole book Felt like a narration ( um maybe it was). Could've been a few more dialogues I guess?? The first half of the book felt better than the other half.
Read because I was interested in this ever since it was news. And also i kind of have a crush on the writer so ☺️
Instagram @BookStarred
June 10, 2023
Shantanu Naidu's short memoir of his journey so far with Mr.Ratan Tata is a warm little book that magnifies the great man through the eyes of a fan. Seeing someone through the lens of a fan is like looking at world through pink tinted glasses - like admiring the simplicity, in awe that he can drive his own car, epiphany when he allowed to take photos. We thrive on positive emotions and this book is more like feeds into it.
Maybe the age difference between Shantanu and me is not much, but I felt old reading this book. The audacity of youth to exercise an option to call at anytime or stay at the house (and lie to meet a personal friend). I personally loved the parts around his startup and the loneliness a B-School can make you feel. I also like the social construct that is emphasised in investing in startups and the sense of purpose. This to me, was the single biggest testimony to the man Mr.Ratan Tata.
When he joins his office after his MBA, the change in dynamics between the mentor and mentee is also illustrated well. He is your boss at the end of the day and hence a sort of official distances comes in from treating him like a friend. I would have loved to know Mr.Tata perspective of how he saw this young kid who was learning and he is ready to put his trust on. I have benefitted from working with some of the very best in the industry and mentored by some of the more compassionate people with strong values. As we grow and expected to do our bit for people, I often wonder how they did it.
A very warm read in which Mr.Ratan Tata's presence stands out and credit to the author to allow it to be without a sense of grandeur.
Maybe the age difference between Shantanu and me is not much, but I felt old reading this book. The audacity of youth to exercise an option to call at anytime or stay at the house (and lie to meet a personal friend). I personally loved the parts around his startup and the loneliness a B-School can make you feel. I also like the social construct that is emphasised in investing in startups and the sense of purpose. This to me, was the single biggest testimony to the man Mr.Ratan Tata.
When he joins his office after his MBA, the change in dynamics between the mentor and mentee is also illustrated well. He is your boss at the end of the day and hence a sort of official distances comes in from treating him like a friend. I would have loved to know Mr.Tata perspective of how he saw this young kid who was learning and he is ready to put his trust on. I have benefitted from working with some of the very best in the industry and mentored by some of the more compassionate people with strong values. As we grow and expected to do our bit for people, I often wonder how they did it.
A very warm read in which Mr.Ratan Tata's presence stands out and credit to the author to allow it to be without a sense of grandeur.
March 17, 2022
If I was a little good at time management I would have finished it so long ago because the way Shantanu Naidu has written this book is amazing. Sanjana Desai's illustrations make the book come alive. Mr. Ratan Tata, how can I even describe him? He's such a great personality and has achieved so much but he's still so grounded! All the experiences Shantanu has with Mr. Tata are awesome. The way he has described them is the thing that got me.
July 31, 2021
~𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫~
Shantanu Naidu went on to establish himself in animal welfare with his video 'Paws for a cause'. During his time as automotive design engineer at Tata Elxsi, he founded a start-up, 'Motopaws', to put reflective collars on India's stray dogs to prevent night-time road accidents. After his MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, he joined Mr. Tata's office as Deputy General Manager, assisting him with day-to-day activities. He founded 'On Your Sparks', an online entrepreneurship course. He also founded the 'Cyber Aid Army' to help victims of cybercrime technologycally through counseling, free of charge.
~𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰~
" I told him that when I write a book, I would write about another side of him and not just historic events or business milestones. I would write about us and our adventures together."
'i came upon a lighthouse' is an honest account of an unlikely friendship between a millennial and an octogenarian. When Naidu founded a start-up to prevent Indian stray dogs from getting run down by speeding cars, Mr. Tata took note of it, he became a primary investor in the venture and this sparked an uncommon bond between the two.
From the title most people will mistake this book as a memoir of Ratan Tata. This book is a memoir of author himself. A book written utterly from the author's perspective. This is a light-hearted telling of life beyond the great steel wall of industry. In this book he has described his little adventures in life, including working with Ratan Tata and the diverse set of responsibilities that came along but not overshadowing the authenticity with so much details. I like how meticulously author arranged everything in this book, how neat and crisp every chapter is. With extravagant writing style and full of compassion, every page exudes a warm feeling that will definitely uplift your mood.
Such a light-hearted book to read in these gloomy monsoon days. Absolutely adore the cute illustrations. It is absolutely an unputdownable, page turner for me. I would recommend this book to each and everyone out there.
I wish I could give this book a 10/5 stars. It definitely deserves more.
Shantanu Naidu went on to establish himself in animal welfare with his video 'Paws for a cause'. During his time as automotive design engineer at Tata Elxsi, he founded a start-up, 'Motopaws', to put reflective collars on India's stray dogs to prevent night-time road accidents. After his MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, he joined Mr. Tata's office as Deputy General Manager, assisting him with day-to-day activities. He founded 'On Your Sparks', an online entrepreneurship course. He also founded the 'Cyber Aid Army' to help victims of cybercrime technologycally through counseling, free of charge.
~𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰~
" I told him that when I write a book, I would write about another side of him and not just historic events or business milestones. I would write about us and our adventures together."
'i came upon a lighthouse' is an honest account of an unlikely friendship between a millennial and an octogenarian. When Naidu founded a start-up to prevent Indian stray dogs from getting run down by speeding cars, Mr. Tata took note of it, he became a primary investor in the venture and this sparked an uncommon bond between the two.
From the title most people will mistake this book as a memoir of Ratan Tata. This book is a memoir of author himself. A book written utterly from the author's perspective. This is a light-hearted telling of life beyond the great steel wall of industry. In this book he has described his little adventures in life, including working with Ratan Tata and the diverse set of responsibilities that came along but not overshadowing the authenticity with so much details. I like how meticulously author arranged everything in this book, how neat and crisp every chapter is. With extravagant writing style and full of compassion, every page exudes a warm feeling that will definitely uplift your mood.
Such a light-hearted book to read in these gloomy monsoon days. Absolutely adore the cute illustrations. It is absolutely an unputdownable, page turner for me. I would recommend this book to each and everyone out there.
I wish I could give this book a 10/5 stars. It definitely deserves more.
January 19, 2022
Absolutely delightful reading. There's hardly a chapter that doesn't leave a smile on your face. Knowing Ratan Tata through Shantanu's eyes gives so much of joy and the respect for the man only increases. Also, I heard this on Audible and a special mention to Jehan Dhalla for such a beautiful heart warming narration. Totally loved it.
January 4, 2021
I was among the very few people who got the privilege to get access to an early copy.
I have not been able to read for last 2 years . However this book swept me away from all my stresses and worries of 2020 and made the first day of the year so beautiful .
Words will fail to exprees the joy that I got out this book.
This book is a journey in itself. Shantanu's journey with Mr Tata( his lighthouse).
One could feel his lonliness at Cornell and nervousness around Mr Tata when he was not able to do what was expected out of him.
How Lucky that he is to have these experiences.
Heartfelt thanks to the writer for bringing us closer and witness another aspect of the man we all love and respect.
There is so much to be learnt from his life .
We Indians are extremely fortunate to have Mr Ratan Tata around.
The illustrations were so endearing . My favourite being Mr Tata inspecting the writer' s new Nano and another one was where he was sitting with the family and "winter " having dinner at Ithaca Thanks to Sanjana Desai.
I have not been able to read for last 2 years . However this book swept me away from all my stresses and worries of 2020 and made the first day of the year so beautiful .
Words will fail to exprees the joy that I got out this book.
This book is a journey in itself. Shantanu's journey with Mr Tata( his lighthouse).
One could feel his lonliness at Cornell and nervousness around Mr Tata when he was not able to do what was expected out of him.
How Lucky that he is to have these experiences.
Heartfelt thanks to the writer for bringing us closer and witness another aspect of the man we all love and respect.
There is so much to be learnt from his life .
We Indians are extremely fortunate to have Mr Ratan Tata around.
The illustrations were so endearing . My favourite being Mr Tata inspecting the writer' s new Nano and another one was where he was sitting with the family and "winter " having dinner at Ithaca Thanks to Sanjana Desai.
January 9, 2021
I recieved this book right in the morning and what a way to start the day💜
I couldn't just keep the book down and finished it in a day itself. Honestly, this book is like all the good feelings packed in 217 pages. Shantanu Naidu's take on life is awe aspiring and so amazing.
For every page that i read, i explained it to my mum as she's not a big fan of reading in English. And so, we've read this book together.
We both thank Mr. Naidu for showing us this side of Mr. Tata.
There's a line that I love, "In my long standing romance with Mumbai, i had only just began to flirt."
I couldn't just keep the book down and finished it in a day itself. Honestly, this book is like all the good feelings packed in 217 pages. Shantanu Naidu's take on life is awe aspiring and so amazing.
For every page that i read, i explained it to my mum as she's not a big fan of reading in English. And so, we've read this book together.
We both thank Mr. Naidu for showing us this side of Mr. Tata.
There's a line that I love, "In my long standing romance with Mumbai, i had only just began to flirt."
April 25, 2022
My friends call me lighthouse. And it's because I'm tall and I work in the middle of the sea. Although I like to believe it's also because I am their guiding light on the stormy nights, as far as I know, my friends, they think otherwise. When I first heard about this book...well...actually at first I heard about the author from one of those friends who had christen me lighthouse, I was intrigued. A boy of my age managing the office of Ratan Tata, and also being his best friend. A boy of my age who has written a memoir. I instantly knew that I'd love to read it. I had two reasons for the same. A) I was fascinated by the Tatas. I wanted to know what growing old with Tatas is like? B) I was fascinated by the fact that someone my age has written an endearing memoir and it reminded me of my long lost forgotten memoir project, "The Young Man and the Sea."
It was a heartfelt read, I could relate a lot with the author being a millennial myself. The caricatures inside the book are beautiful. It's a simple book, and it's simply written, and that is what I liked about this book the most. It settled my expectations and left me happier than I began. There's just so much to learn from Ratan Tata and from Shantanu Naida. There is also so much to know and see.
It was a heartfelt read, I could relate a lot with the author being a millennial myself. The caricatures inside the book are beautiful. It's a simple book, and it's simply written, and that is what I liked about this book the most. It settled my expectations and left me happier than I began. There's just so much to learn from Ratan Tata and from Shantanu Naida. There is also so much to know and see.
January 20, 2021
Highly Recommended! I finished it within a day. It's such a heartwarming book. You l feel a lot of emotions when reading it but at the end of it, it's makes you want to do something better with your life.
It's nice to see Mr. Tata shown in a different shade of colours as said by the author. And the illustrations are one of the highlights of the book. It captured the emotions as such. I especially like the one with the dog with the motopaws collar sitting in the middle of the road at night. It makes your heart go mushy suishy.
This is truly a gem in my collection and I'm sure I l revisiting it whenever I feel lost or down.
I'm sure this book will be a lighthouse for many people.
It's nice to see Mr. Tata shown in a different shade of colours as said by the author. And the illustrations are one of the highlights of the book. It captured the emotions as such. I especially like the one with the dog with the motopaws collar sitting in the middle of the road at night. It makes your heart go mushy suishy.
This is truly a gem in my collection and I'm sure I l revisiting it whenever I feel lost or down.
I'm sure this book will be a lighthouse for many people.
September 19, 2021
I have always been a huge admirer of Mr. Ratan Tata for what he has done for the nation both at the personal and professional level. His selflessness is not hidden from anyone. Also how he sustained a huge empire and further built it is an inspirational tale in itself. Though I never knew one side of him that he is an ardent animal lover too and this spectacular book unearthed various other attributes of him which will fill one with nothing but more respect for the great man
'I Came Upon A Lighthouse' is what you call a splendid flawless work. The book is a memoir of the time spent by the author with the great leader. It delves deep into the unknown side of Mr.Tata and how his humbleness is unmatched. Also how sheer affection for dogs will one day turn into a chance encounter of Mr. Shantanu with the Tata and to know that it all started with a letter is so heartfelt to see and experience.
The book is outstandingly narrated. Also the impeccable illustrations by Sanjana adds more colour to it and one remains glued to the book come what may. It is a tale of friendship, affection ,mutual respect and how so many touching emotions are carved into words and presented inculcates a sense of pride and happiness . From the cover to the title to the content ,plot and writing style everything is marvellous and on spot.
There are many books which a reader pick with huge expectations but they rarely live upto them. It wont be an exaggeration if I that say this book totally surpassed all what I imagined.
A must read. Highly recommended.
'I Came Upon A Lighthouse' is what you call a splendid flawless work. The book is a memoir of the time spent by the author with the great leader. It delves deep into the unknown side of Mr.Tata and how his humbleness is unmatched. Also how sheer affection for dogs will one day turn into a chance encounter of Mr. Shantanu with the Tata and to know that it all started with a letter is so heartfelt to see and experience.
The book is outstandingly narrated. Also the impeccable illustrations by Sanjana adds more colour to it and one remains glued to the book come what may. It is a tale of friendship, affection ,mutual respect and how so many touching emotions are carved into words and presented inculcates a sense of pride and happiness . From the cover to the title to the content ,plot and writing style everything is marvellous and on spot.
There are many books which a reader pick with huge expectations but they rarely live upto them. It wont be an exaggeration if I that say this book totally surpassed all what I imagined.
A must read. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2023
A wonderful, honest, and warm memoir which shows a beautiful side of Mr. Tata which we hardly know anything about. Had a large smile on my face almost throughout while reading this short but beautiful book and picked up a lot of valuable insights from Mr. Tata's ways of living.
August 12, 2021
Heart-warming.
January 8, 2021
‘I Came Upon a Lighthouse’ is such a beautiful depiction of the relationship that Shantanu shares with Mr. Tata. The honesty with which Shantanu has written about these experiences shows what wonderful beings both of them are.
The mutual care and respect that they have for each other makes one want to have relationships like these in your life.
The mutual care and respect that they have for each other makes one want to have relationships like these in your life.
May 15, 2021
It takes you on a journey of a beautiful friendship that has formed between a millennial and an octogenarian (a word that I came across in the book itself) which started with a shared love for dogs and grew into a warm adventure. It left me with a full heart as it is a reminder of life itself. A light-hearted, beautiful and warm read.
January 4, 2022
Loved it! A light hearted and interesting read with lessons and less known facts about the legend written in a honest and candid way!
January 23, 2021
While reading this book, I constantly had a smile on my face. Such a pure-hearted story, I loved it. The illustrations are extremely cute and have captured the emotions of the people in the scenes very accurately. I learnt a lot from this boy with a goofy smile, a must read for all millennials out there. And what can you say about Mr. Tata, we all must’ve heard about his humble nature and love for animal welfare but this book showed different aspects of his personality, he cracks jokes(WHAT), and pulled his tongue out for one photo?! I loved how Shantanu not only wrote about how their journeys entwined but also of this side of Mr. Tata only few of his closest can have a glimpse of.
December 22, 2024
I absolutely loved reading I Came Upon a Lighthouse by Shantanu Naidu!
This short memoir takes you through a personal and heartwarming journey of the author's time with the legendary Ratan Tata.
The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity – it's not just about the man behind the business empire but the little moments, the wisdom, and the humility that made Tata who he is.
The writing is so genuine, it feels like you’re sitting down with Shantanu for a casual chat. One thing that stuck with me was how true leadership is not about power, but compassion.
A solid 4/5 stars!
This short memoir takes you through a personal and heartwarming journey of the author's time with the legendary Ratan Tata.
The beauty of this book lies in its simplicity – it's not just about the man behind the business empire but the little moments, the wisdom, and the humility that made Tata who he is.
The writing is so genuine, it feels like you’re sitting down with Shantanu for a casual chat. One thing that stuck with me was how true leadership is not about power, but compassion.
A solid 4/5 stars!
May 10, 2023
I know a lot of founders. But no one has seemed quite as adorable as Shantanu Naidu. Vulnerable and honest, this ode to Ratan Tata was a lovely read.
January 12, 2021
It's really a heartwarming book. It shows the side of Mr Ratan Tata which many people are oblivious of. I feel really grateful to Shantanu Naidu for writing this memoir filled with really cute and feel good illustrations by Sanjana Desai..... it made me smile with moist eyes because while I was reading, I could sense that the book was honest and heartfelt. His narration is witty and puntastic as well. Loved the book♥️
And, the book, has answered so many of my questions . I always wanted to know why he named his dog "Winter". I always wanted to know why he is so fond of lily. I always wanted to know how motopaws came to be (in his own words). I always wanted to know what made him leave US for India. I always wanted know if he liked fairy lights like I do(saw 'em on your IG, I think)....Most of all I always wanted to know from whom he might have learned to be this way (sweet,kind,brave).....I have my answers now. All because of his book♥️. Thank you Shantanu for sharing your valuable perspective about your time with Mr Tata in a much needed different light.
And, the book, has answered so many of my questions . I always wanted to know why he named his dog "Winter". I always wanted to know why he is so fond of lily. I always wanted to know how motopaws came to be (in his own words). I always wanted to know what made him leave US for India. I always wanted know if he liked fairy lights like I do(saw 'em on your IG, I think)....Most of all I always wanted to know from whom he might have learned to be this way (sweet,kind,brave).....I have my answers now. All because of his book♥️. Thank you Shantanu for sharing your valuable perspective about your time with Mr Tata in a much needed different light.
January 12, 2021
What a delightful and heartwarming journey, this book was! I am glad I began my 2021 reading challenge on the right note. As Shantaa-nu would say, "with our stomachs full and hearts fuller", the hangover of this book is akin to the one when you have finished your favourite sit-com and you reminisce the moments when you first started watching it. Looking forward to Part 2!
Special mention to Sanjana Desai. I have been following her on Instagram for quite some time and her lovely illustrations have a pureness and warmth, which is unmatched. The tone of the book and the beauty of the illustrations gelled perfectly.
Special mention to Sanjana Desai. I have been following her on Instagram for quite some time and her lovely illustrations have a pureness and warmth, which is unmatched. The tone of the book and the beauty of the illustrations gelled perfectly.
February 20, 2023
A kind, candid and feel-good essay on how Ratan Tata inspires through his personality, 'I Came Upon a Lighthouse' is a beautiful read. The author (Shantanu)'s story, in itself, is an inspirational journey and shows how much you can learn from someone like Ratan Tata not through him handing out life lessons but more through how attentively you observe, listen and absorb. Detailed episodes of Mr. Tata taking up roles of a big brother, a confidante, a friend, and finally a boss to Shantanu makes this a great lesson in the value of a mentor-mentee relationship. A must read if you're a pet lover too!
January 27, 2021
✨ #ICameUponALighthouse is a memoir by a millennial-Shantanu Naidu, on anecdotes of his journey, which through a 'shared concern' for animal welfare aligns with the philanthropist - Mr. Ratan Tata's life; chronicling their endearing inter-generational bond.
The book, with its thoughtfully named chapters and heartening illustrations is a delight for bibliophiles, dog-lovers and readers wanting to know the sunnier side of the revered industrialist. 🌻
And, whilst the book adoringly brings the light-hearted bond between the two; Shantanu as a debut writer deftly connects his readers to the 'millennial' life too.
From chapters unfolding his empathetic endeavour, his brain child- 'Motopaws', to the ones where there are the jitters of initial meetings with Mr. Tata, and to some that recount his venturing into a new land far away from the warm cocoon of family-experiencing loneliness, self-doubt; yet making efforts to thrive amidst and despite that. (Not without his adorbs companion-Winter!) ❄️
I see it as a story of our times because the pages, not only bring the 'sparks', but the vulnerability of the challenges that life brings to a 'twenty-something'; and that perhaps is something every millennial would connect to!
Even though, its the beginning of the year, I am truly confident in saying that it is already one of the best books I have read in 2021.
And, lastly, time for my Personal Award System🏆 for favourite books (yes, it exists), I would say that I call this little memoir as a #MugBrownieRead -warm, sweet, amiable, and just melts your heart 💕
Joyous addition to my Book Family!
The book, with its thoughtfully named chapters and heartening illustrations is a delight for bibliophiles, dog-lovers and readers wanting to know the sunnier side of the revered industrialist. 🌻
And, whilst the book adoringly brings the light-hearted bond between the two; Shantanu as a debut writer deftly connects his readers to the 'millennial' life too.
From chapters unfolding his empathetic endeavour, his brain child- 'Motopaws', to the ones where there are the jitters of initial meetings with Mr. Tata, and to some that recount his venturing into a new land far away from the warm cocoon of family-experiencing loneliness, self-doubt; yet making efforts to thrive amidst and despite that. (Not without his adorbs companion-Winter!) ❄️
I see it as a story of our times because the pages, not only bring the 'sparks', but the vulnerability of the challenges that life brings to a 'twenty-something'; and that perhaps is something every millennial would connect to!
Even though, its the beginning of the year, I am truly confident in saying that it is already one of the best books I have read in 2021.
And, lastly, time for my Personal Award System🏆 for favourite books (yes, it exists), I would say that I call this little memoir as a #MugBrownieRead -warm, sweet, amiable, and just melts your heart 💕
Joyous addition to my Book Family!
March 1, 2021
Its been a while since I've read anything like the book, "I Came Upon a Lighthouse".
Call it a personal memoir of Shantanu's life, who is in his late twenties, or the journey of friendship between him and Mr Ratan Tata (An Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist and a compassionate animal lover we all look up to) right from where it started.
It all starts when Shantanu writes to Mr Ratan Tata about Motopaws, an innovation that saves stray animals from being run over by speeding cars and Mr Ratan Tata takes notice.
And from there, through Shantanu's warm narration, we see Mr Ratan Tata be a mentor and a guide to Shantanu, as Shantanu starts working for his office and the journey of Shantanu's life, from his studies abroad, to adopting Winter and to working in the city of Mumbai.
I came upon a Lighthouse is an inspiring and a kind and a dreamy read, about the journey of these two kindred souls and beyond.
Call it a personal memoir of Shantanu's life, who is in his late twenties, or the journey of friendship between him and Mr Ratan Tata (An Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist and a compassionate animal lover we all look up to) right from where it started.
It all starts when Shantanu writes to Mr Ratan Tata about Motopaws, an innovation that saves stray animals from being run over by speeding cars and Mr Ratan Tata takes notice.
And from there, through Shantanu's warm narration, we see Mr Ratan Tata be a mentor and a guide to Shantanu, as Shantanu starts working for his office and the journey of Shantanu's life, from his studies abroad, to adopting Winter and to working in the city of Mumbai.
I came upon a Lighthouse is an inspiring and a kind and a dreamy read, about the journey of these two kindred souls and beyond.
March 5, 2021
Oh, my heart!
For some time now, I have been looking for a purpose. Why do we do what we do? Where do I go from here? So many questions. Reading this book gave me hope that I'll get to where I want to be someday.
I didn't want this book to end. It was joyous, pure, heartwarming and will stay with me for a long time. I abruptly laughed out loud, teared up and basically couldn't put it down. Of all the unlikely friendships, this one has to be my favourite.
Also, I think I'll go over this book again just for those GORGEOUS illustrations!
For some time now, I have been looking for a purpose. Why do we do what we do? Where do I go from here? So many questions. Reading this book gave me hope that I'll get to where I want to be someday.
I didn't want this book to end. It was joyous, pure, heartwarming and will stay with me for a long time. I abruptly laughed out loud, teared up and basically couldn't put it down. Of all the unlikely friendships, this one has to be my favourite.
Also, I think I'll go over this book again just for those GORGEOUS illustrations!
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