Open Letter and Appreciation Note for Shantanu Naidu

Dear Shantanu,

Having finished your book last night, “I Came Upon a Lighthouse,” in just two sittings, I find myself reflecting deeply on the myriad of emotions it evoked — smiles, laughter, sadness, and tears of joy. As someone who is not an avid reader, I randomly picked up your book at a bazaar in Jaipur in January 2024, and my only regret is not having read it sooner.

In today’s world, where social media often dilutes the true essence of friendships, your story resonated deeply with me, especially as an introvert. Whether it was your first meeting with Mr. Tata, your experiences in Ithaca, or the chapters on Lilly and the banquet, your narrative felt intimately familiar, and I found myself rooting for you throughout. You not only revealed a human side to one of India’s most prominent business tycoons but also shared your unique bond and vulnerabilities with him. You brought Mr. Tata closer to us as a kind of Millennial Dumbledore, and I found myself wishing for a friend like him. Every song you mentioned has now found its way into my Spotify playlist. You reaffirmed my faith in the purity of friendships, which are not defined by age, status, or circumstances. I was captivated from start to finish, and my only disappointment was that the book ended so quickly. Your storytelling arc, choice of words, and the emotions you conveyed are truly precious. From your initial pitch for Motopaws to presenting this book to Mr. Tata, your journey was nothing short of inspiring. While many admire Mr. Ratan Tata for his business acumen and humanity, your book unveiled his delightful persona as a friend and a human being.

You genuinely demonstrated that with passion, purpose, and purity, friendship knows no boundaries. One of my favorite sections was about Lilly, the banquet, and your time in Ithaca. I can see how your experiences have shaped GoodFellows, a mission that continues to inspire me.

Thank you for sharing this remarkable book. I hope more people read your story and draw inspiration from it. In a way, you have brought us to the lighthouse, which is Mr. Ratan Tata. I eagerly await your next book and the story of GoodFellows.

A shoutout to Sanjana Desai for the beautiful illustrations that brought this story alive.