Tata Veteran Noshir Soonawala Breaks Silence On Trusts Rift: ‘Painful To Watch’

.In a rare and heartfelt statement, Tata Group veteran Noshir Soonawala has voiced his dismay over the internal discord among trustees of Tata Trusts. Speaking to The Times of India and other outlets, Soonawala—who served as vice-chairman of Tata Sons and was a close confidant of Ratan Tata—described the situation as “painful,” urging current trustees to resolve their differences amicably.

Major takeaways  

• Soonawala said he now watches developments “from the sidelines,” having stepped down from his roles several years ago  
• He expressed sadness over the public nature of the rift, stating, “It’s painful to see what is happening at the Tatas, a group where I have dedicated almost my entire career”  
• The governance dispute reportedly surfaced in mid-September 2025, less than a year after the passing of former chairman Ratan Tata  
• Disagreements within Tata Trusts have centered around appointments and strategic direction, with some trustees reportedly meeting government officials to discuss concerns  
• Soonawala’s comments reflect growing unease among Tata veterans about the impact of internal divisions on the group’s reputation and cohesion  
• He also acknowledged his longstanding ties with Noel Tata, current chairman of Tata Trusts, and Simone Tata, reinforcing his deep connection to the group’s leadership lineage  
• The statement is seen as a wake-up call from a respected elder, urging reconciliation and reaffirmation of the group’s founding values

Notable updates  

• Tata Trusts holds a majority stake in Tata Sons and plays a pivotal role in guiding the conglomerate’s philanthropic and strategic initiatives  
• The public airing of trustee disagreements has raised concerns about governance transparency and long-term stability  
• Industry observers believe Soonawala’s intervention could catalyze efforts to restore unity and focus within the Trusts

As one of the most respected voices in Tata’s history, Soonawala’s appeal carries weight and underscores the urgency of resolving internal conflicts to safeguard the group’s legacy.

Sources: The Times of India, Moneycontrol, India.com, DNA India, Keviang