It’s not the first time that India’s most respected corporate czar Ratan Tata has been praised in public. It may be the first time that he literally blushed. Israeli Consul General Orna Sagiv expressed her admiration for the man.

H.E. Mark Sofer, Israeli Ambassador to India, narrated to the spellbound crowd how he was bowled over by Ratan’s humility. Gul Kripalani, recognising Ratan Tata’s outstanding contribution to business and industry, eulogised him as Businessman of the Decade.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias was equally eloquent in his appreciative speech. The self-effacing man in the spotlight, prefacing his speech by “I wish I could find a hole in this hotel to crawl into, with all the effusive compliments showered on me today”, deserved a standing ovation. This exclusive soiree drew notable guests including Mahendra Sanghi, Nanik Rupani, Indu Shahani, Parikshit Sahani, Sheila Kripalani, Piloo Tata, Narinder Nayar, Zubin Karkaria and Gudmundur Eirikson, Ambassador of Iceland to India. With fine Israeli wines, everyone raised a toast to The Legend, who is also an acknowledged philanthropist.