Mistry Quits Tata Small Animal Hospital Board
Mehli Mistry, a prominent figure in Tata Trusts and a close confidant of Ratan Tata, has recently resigned from the board of Tata’s Small Animal Hospital Trust (SAHM). This decision comes shortly after Mistry stepped down from his position within the Tata Trusts, which has rendered him unable to provide funding for the hospital. In his resignation letter, Mistry expressed his reluctance to seek funds from trusts with which he is no longer associated.
The Small Animal Hospital, located in Mumbai, was established through the efforts of Tata Trusts and is aimed at enhancing veterinary care for small companion animals. The initiative was inspired by Ratan Tata's personal experience in seeking advanced veterinary treatment for his own pet. The hospital was envisioned as a space where pets could receive the best medical care, empathy, and dignity.
Following his resignation, Mistry indicated that he would prefer not to request funding from the trust, as he is no longer part of the Tata Trusts, which oversee the operations of SAHM. This resignation is part of a broader shift within the Tata Trusts, as Mistry had recently faced internal conflicts with the chairman, Noel Tata, and other trustees. His exit marks a significant change in the dynamics of the organization.
On November 4, Mistry parted ways with the Tata group, citing that forcing issues could lead to irreparable damage to the reputation of the Tata Trusts. He had been a trustee for just three years, having been appointed in October 2020. His removal from the trust was confirmed in late October when his renomination proposal was voted down.
The Tata Trusts comprise several prominent entities, including the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which are central to the philanthropic initiatives of the Tata group. Mistry's departure raises questions about the future of funding for various projects, including the Small Animal Hospital, as the trust plays a crucial role in supporting such initiatives.
On November 11, the Board of Trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust approved the induction of new trustees, which is seen as a move to strengthen the influence of Noel Tata within the organization. The Tata Trusts hold a significant 66% stake in Tata Sons, the primary holding company of the Tata group, making their governance and decisions critical for the future of all Tata initiatives.
