An Air India pilot shared a memorable encounter with Ratan Tata that left a profound impact on her. Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Group, died late Wednesday night.

In a post on X, Captain Zoya Agarwal recalled flying Ratan Tata from New York to Delhi and, at the end of the flight, asked him for a photograph. What followed was a gesture she says she’ll never forget.

“Flying Hon’ble Sir Ratan Tata from NYC to Delhi changed my life. His humility, grace, and values left a profound impact on me,” she said.

As she prepared to stand for the picture, Tata, ever the epitome of humility, stopped her. “Captain, this is your throne. You’ve earned it,” Tata said as he urged her to stay seated while he stood behind her for the photograph.

“It was such a humble gesture that solidified my beliefs about leadership,” she added.

Captain Zoya expressed her admiration for Ratan Tata’s humility and grace. “This photo was meant for my personal inspiration, but today, I feel compelled to share it,” she wrote as she paid tribute to the man whose legacy continues to inspire billions.

Take a look at the post here:

Captain Zoya’s anecdote is just one of many flooding social media, as people from all walks of life remember Ratan Tata not only for his business acumen but also for the kindness and respect he extended to others. As Zoya put it, “His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.”

Ratan Tata was cremated after the Maharashtra government accorded him a state funeral on Thursday. His body was kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for people to pay their respects. It was then taken to the Worli crematorium for last rites.