Tata Veteran Noshir Soonawala Breaks Silence, Urges Group Trustees to Resolve Differences

Tata Group veteran Noshir Soonawala has spoken out on the ongoing rift among trustees, expressing concern over the internal discord that has come to light. Known for his decades of association with the Tata legacy, Soonawala described the situation as “painful” and called on all involved to act with maturity, unity, and the long-term vision that the group has always stood for.

Soonawala’s statement holds weight, given his close association with both Ratan Tata and the Tata Trusts. His appeal reflects the sentiment of many long-time insiders who view the current differences as a distraction from the group’s core mission. He emphasized that such internal disputes could affect the trust’s image and the larger legacy built over more than a century.

According to those familiar with the matter, tensions have been simmering within the Tata Trusts over strategic and operational differences. The trust, which holds a majority stake in Tata Sons, has played a crucial role in guiding the conglomerate’s direction and philanthropic work. Soonawala’s comments are being seen as an attempt to remind trustees of their shared responsibility to protect the group’s credibility and unity.

Insiders note that the Tata Group’s strength has always been its values—transparency, ethics, and a long-term approach to both business and community service. Soonawala’s message resonates with this ethos, urging leaders to rise above personal disagreements and maintain focus on collective goals.

For observers of Indian corporate governance, this appeal underscores the importance of stability within institutions that hold significant influence over national industry and philanthropy. As the Tata Trusts continue to navigate internal challenges, the hope remains that dialogue and mutual respect will prevail over division.

In the end, Soonawala’s words serve as both a reminder and a warning—that the integrity of the Tata legacy depends not on power struggles, but on the continued commitment to unity and purpose that has defined it for generations.