In a significant development within the philanthropic circles of the Tata Group, Mehli Mistry, a prominent businessman and close confidant of the late Ratan Tata, has stepped down from the board of the Small Animal Hospital Trust (SAHT). His resignation, submitted on Monday, marks another departure following the non-renewal of his trusteeship at the group's key charitable foundations.
The Resignation and Its Immediate Cause
Mehli Mistry tendered his resignation with immediate effect from the board of SAHT, which operates a leading specialty hospital for pets in Mumbai. In his resignation letter, Mistry clearly stated the reason for his decision. He highlighted that since he is no longer associated with the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), he would not be in a position to fund the Small Animal Hospital Trust. He further expressed his unwillingness to seek funding from a trust he is no longer part of, leading to his exit.
Background: The End of a Trusteeship
The move comes directly after Mistry's three-year term as a trustee at both SDTT and SRTT was not renewed in October this year. This ended his formal association with the core philanthropic arms of the Tata empire. The Small Animal Hospital Trust is the second foundation within the Tata Trusts from which Mistry has resigned following the conclusion of his trusteeship, indicating a broader disengagement.
Ripple Effect and the Hospital's Legacy
The impact of Mistry's resignation was felt swiftly. Following his departure, another trustee, Dr. Anirudh Kohli, who is the CEO of Breach Candy Hospital, also resigned from the SAHT board. This development brings focus to the future governance of the prestigious pet hospital. The facility itself holds a special place as it was the brainchild of the late Ratan Tata, conceived after he faced challenges in finding advanced healthcare for his own injured dog within the country.
The resignations underscore a period of transition for the trusts associated with one of India's most revered industrial families. The Mumbai-based Small Animal Hospital, a symbol of Ratan Tata's personal passion for animal welfare, now faces a reconstitution of its guiding board as key figures step away.
