Mehli Mistry, who recently left the Tata Trusts board due to disagreements with key trustees, has also resigned from the governing council of Mumbai’s renowned National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA).
Vijay Singh, a trustee of the Tata Trusts, has taken Mistry’s place on the NCPA council, according to sources cited by Moneycontrol.com. Mistry represented the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust on the NCPA council alongside Jehangir H. Jehangir and Pramit Jhaveri.
His departure from the NCPA closely follows his exit from the Tata Trusts, marking another significant loss of institutional position for the long-standing associate of the Tata group.
The NCPA council includes other members such as K. N. Suntook, Noel Tata, and Brinda Kahtau, in addition to nominees from the Maharashtra state government. Established in 1969 through the efforts of J R D Tata and the Tata Trusts, the NCPA has evolved into a prominent cultural institution in India.
Despite attempts to reach out for comments, emails to Mehli Mistry, Vijay Singh, the NCPA, and the Tata Trusts remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
Mistry’s removal from the Tata Trusts was attributed to disagreements with some current leaders, leading to his resignation. The Tata Trusts, which hold a majority stake in Tata Sons, play a crucial role in India’s largest business group. Mistry’s departure raised eyebrows due to his longstanding ties with the Trusts and his close bond with the late Ratan Tata.
Alongside stepping down from the Tata Trusts, Mistry also resigned from the board of the Small Animal Hospital Trust, a charitable endeavor initiated by Ratan Tata for advanced veterinary care. His withdrawal from the NCPA marks his exit from three prominent Tata-affiliated institutions.
For many years, Mistry was considered a key figure in the Tata ecosystem, serving on various philanthropic and institutional boards connected to the group. His association extended across business-related roles and charitable projects supported by the Trusts.
Following Ratan Tata’s passing, changes in the Trusts’ governance structure ensued, with Noel Tata taking the helm and a reshuffling of trustee responsibilities. The decision not to renew Mistry’s term as trustee was a result of this transition.
This recent development signifies the conclusion of Mehli Mistry’s extensive involvement in influential philanthropic and cultural institutions associated with the Tata group.