Mumbai: Renowned business magnate and philanthropist Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, was presented with the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award during a private ceremony at his residence in Mumbai.

The award was conferred upon him by celebrated musician Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy award winner, and Achyuta Samanta, the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences.

On social media platform X, Kej expressed his delight in meeting Ratan Tata and lauded the 86-year-old tycoon.

''With the legend @RNTata2000 at his residence, while awarding him the prestigious 'KISS Humanitarian Award' along with @achyuta_samanta sir. Besides being one of the greatest industrialists ever, Ratan Tataji is one of the most compassionate and kind humans. He is a role model in every possible way,'' he shared, along with a photo of their meeting, on X.

During their interaction, Kej discussed Tata's cherished initiative, the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, describing it as " "magnificent" after visiting the facility firsthand.

''Among the many topics - we spoke at length about his new @SAHMumbai which will open shortly. I visited the facility and it is magnificent,'' he added.

The Small Animal Hospital, notably the first of its kind, sprawls over 98,000 square feet across five floors in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.

With a capacity of over 200 beds, the hospital is being built at a cost of Rs 165 crore and aims to provide superior healthcare services to animals.

Overseen by Thomas Heathcote, a British veterinarian who has relocated to Mumbai for this purpose, the hospital is a big stride forward in animal welfare in the region.

''A pet is no different from a member of one's family today. As the guardian of several pets throughout my life, I recognise the need for this hospital," Mr Tata had said in February while discussing the hospital.

Tata's affection for dogs is well-known, evident in his frequent Instagram posts featuring his canine companions and his active advocacy for dog adoption.

He even maintains a story highlight on Instagram named after his beloved late pet dog, Tito.

Screen grab from instagram.com/stories/highlights

The global headquarters of the Tata Group houses a dedicated kennel for the care of stray dogs in the vicinity, showcasing his commitment to animal welfare.

Image Courtesy: tata.com