Goodfellows – A Unique Initiative by Ratan Tata

The late industrialist Ratan Tata lived a life of solitude, having never married. Perhaps this is why he understood the pain of loneliness so well. In response to this struggle, he initiated a unique service for senior citizens called Goodfellows.

Dedicated to Senior Citizens

Philanthropist Ratan Tata invested in the startup ‘Goodfellows’ in August 2022. This service aims to ensure that elderly individuals do not feel alone. They have a companion—known as a Goodfellow—who is there to talk, go for walks, shop, watch movies, or even accompany them to doctor’s appointments.

The Purpose of Goodfellows

The primary goal of Goodfellows is to free senior citizens from isolation and connect them with the younger generation. This platform pairs young individuals and educated graduates with elderly citizens, fostering dialogue and collaboration between the two generations.

The Idea Behind Tata’s Young Friend

The startup was founded by Shantanu Naidu, who was notably seen riding ahead of Ratan Tata’s hearse during his final journey, with tears in his eyes. Shantanu studied at Cornell University and has also worked as a General Manager at the Tata Group.

Subscription-Based Service

Goodfellows operates on a subscription-based model, where young college students work as Goodfellows. This model not only provides social support to the elderly but also creates job opportunities for young people.

Positive Feedback Received

During its beta testing phase, Goodfellows received highly positive feedback. The startup garnered over 800 applications from young graduates seeking employment, indicating that youth are indeed interested in this initiative led by Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu.

Ratan Tata’s Thoughts

The late Ratan Tata praised the startup, stating that until one genuinely grows old, it’s hard for anyone to truly grasp what it means to be old. He also noted that finding a good-natured companion can be a significant challenge.

Currently, Goodfellows operates in various cities across India, including Pune, Chennai, and Bengaluru. In the future, the initiative aims to expand its services, connecting even more senior citizens with young graduates.

Ratan Tata’s initiative is not only working to bring joy into the lives of the elderly but also promoting unity and understanding within society. Moreover, it offers a unique experience for the younger generation as well.

By Priyanka Yadav

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