Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86: A Visionary Leader Who Transformed Tata Group and Inspired Generations
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, one of India's largest companies, passed away at age 86. Earlier this week, he had posted on social media, dismissing rumors about his health, saying he was only undergoing routine medical checks due to his age.
N Chandrasekaran, the current Chairman of Tata Sons, shared the news late Wednesday night, honoring Mr. Tata's dedication to excellence, honesty, and innovation.
"It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, an extraordinary leader whose contributions shaped not only the Tata Group but also our nation," Mr. Chandrasekaran said.
"For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairman. To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He led by example, and under his leadership, the Tata Group grew globally while always staying true to its values," he added.
Mr. Chandrasekaran also highlighted Mr. Tata's impact on philanthropy, noting that his work in areas like education and healthcare will continue to benefit future generations.
As the news spread, many tributes poured in from industry leaders and others.
"Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader. His contribution went far beyond the business world. His humility, kindness, and commitment to improving society won him the hearts of many," the Prime Minister posted on X, along with some pictures.
Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
Gautam Adani said, "India has lost a giant and visionary who shaped modern India's future. Ratan Tata was not just a business leader—he represented India's spirit with integrity and compassion. Legends like him never fade away."
India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mANuvwX8wV
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 9, 2024
Mukesh Ambani, another prominent Indian industrialist, called Mr. Tata one of India’s most distinguished and kind-hearted sons. "It's a very sad day for India. Ratan Tata’s death is a huge loss, not just for the Tata Group but for all Indians," Mr. Ambani said.
He also shared that on a personal level, Mr. Tata's passing filled him with grief, as he had lost a dear friend. "Every interaction with him deepened my respect for the noble values he stood for," Mr. Ambani said.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, also paid tribute by sharing a photo in memory of Mr. Tata.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited businessman Ratan Tata for mentoring and shaping modern business leadership in India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pichai said, "He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones. Rest in Peace, Shri Ratan Tata Ji."
Ratan Tata: The Visionary Leader Who Transformed Tata Group and Inspired a Nation
Ratan Tata became chairman of the Tata Group, a $100 billion conglomerate, in 1991 and led the company until 2012. Tata Group, founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago, includes businesses from steel to software. He founded Tata Teleservices, a telecommunications company, in 1996 and took Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004.
In 2004, Tata Group acquired iconic British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, marking a major reversal of roles as an Indian company bought British symbols of luxury. In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to launch the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, priced at ₹1 lakh, making it accessible to India's middle class. The car became a symbol of affordability and innovation.
Ratan Tata led the Tata Group twice: from 1991 to 2012 and briefly from 2016 to 2017. After stepping down from daily operations, he continued to oversee the group's charitable trusts.
In 2022, Cyrus Mistry, who had succeeded Tata as chairman of Tata Sons but was later ousted in a high-profile boardroom dispute, died in a car accident. Their feud remained unresolved.
After his retirement, Ratan Tata became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals. He stayed active on social media, sharing posts about animal rights, especially for dogs, and calling on Indian citizens to care for their country.
Tata also upheld a tradition started by his ancestor, Jamsetji Tata, by ensuring that Bombay House, the Tata Group's headquarters, remained a shelter for stray dogs.
With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, Ratan Tata was named the 'most followed entrepreneur' in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
Early Life of Ratan Tata
Born in 1937, Ratan Tata was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, after his parents separated in 1948. He studied architecture at Cornell University and later completed a management course at Harvard University.
Though he never married, he mentioned that he almost got married four times. He once fell in love while working in Los Angeles, but due to the 1962 Indo-China War, the girl's parents wouldn’t allow her to move to India.
Honors
In 2000, Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, and in 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest honor.
Largest Shareholder in Tata Group
The largest shareholder in Tata Group is Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, another Parsee businessman, whose 18% stake is worth £5 billion. Pallonji's son-in-law, Noel Tata, is Ratan Tata's half-brother.
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