At the age of 86, Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of the largest corporations in India, passed away. The industrialist only on Monday denied rumors about his health in a social media post and stated that, because of his advanced age, he was going through standard medical examinations.
In a statement released late on Wednesday night, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed the passing of Mr. Tata and praised the businessman for his steadfast devotion to innovation, quality, and honesty.
“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” stated Chandrasekaran.
“Mr. Tata was more than just the chairman of the Tata Group. He served as a friend, mentor, and counselor to me. He led by example. Under his leadership, the Tata Group increased its global reach while staying faithful to its moral compass, all the while demonstrating an unrelenting dedication to excellence, honesty, and innovation “said Mr. Chandrasekaran.
Mr. Chandrasekharan recalled Mr. Tata’s charitable contributions by stating, “From healthcare to education, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come.”
Tributes from the industry and beyond flooded in as soon as word spread.
Leading the tributes was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the industrialist as “an extraordinary human being and a compassionate soul.”
“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a remarkable human being, a kind spirit, and a visionary business leader. He gave one of India’s most prominent and ancient business houses steady leadership. However, his influence extended much beyond the boardroom. Thanks to his modesty, generosity, and unshakable dedication to improving our society, he won over many people,” the prime minister said on X in a succession of tweets that included images.
“Ratan Tata was a man with a vision,” stated Rahul Gandhi. He has made a significant contribution to philanthropy and business. I send my sympathies to the Tata community and his family.”
Gautam Adani praised the titan of the business, stating that “legends like him never fade away”.
“India has lost a titan, a visionary who reshaped the course of contemporary India. Ratan Tata was more than just a successful businessman; he personified the Indian character, exhibiting honesty, kindness, and a steadfast dedication to the common good. People like him become legends forever. Om Shanti,” Mr. Adani wrote.
Anand Mahindra, an industrialist, stated that he is “unable to accept Ratan Tata’s absence.”
“I cannot come to terms with Ratan Tata’s absence. India’s economy is about to take a huge step forward in history. And we are in this situation because of Ratan’s life and work in large part. Therefore, having his mentorship and advice at this particular time would have been priceless. Now that he is no longer with us, all we can do is resolve to follow his lead. Since he was a businessman, Mr. Mahindra believed that success and financial prosperity were most beneficial when they served the interests of the world community.
Mr. Tata was praised by Mukesh Ambani as one of India’s most renowned and generous sons.
“India and India Inc. are having a very sad day. The loss of Ratan Tata is great for the Tata Group as well as for all Indians, Mr. Ambani said in his condolence letter.
His encounters with Ratan Tata “enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.” “At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend,” he stated.
The creator of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, tweeted a vintage photo honoring Mr. Tata.
Businessman “mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India” is something that Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged the man for.
“He mentored and developed India’s current corporate elite and leaves an unparalleled legacy in both business and philanthropy. He was passionate about improving India. Mr. Pichai wrote on X, “Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji.”
Ratan Tata led the company established by his great-grandfather over a century ago until 2012, when he was named chairman of the $100 billion steel to software conglomerate in 1991.
In 1996, he established the telecom business Tata Teleservices, and in 2004, he went public with the IT company Tata Consultancy Services.
In a role reversal, the Indian business Tata Group was accused of being reverse colonialists in 2004 after acquiring the venerable British automakers Jaguar and Land Rover.
Ratan Tata delivered on his pledge to make the world’s most affordable car available to the middle class in 2009. At ₹1 lakh, the Tata Nano became a representation of affordability and innovation.
Mr. Tata served as the conglomerate’s chairman twice, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. He remained to lead the company’s charity trusts even though he took a step back from day-to-day operations.
In the most well-known boardroom coup in Indian history, Cyrus Mistry, the man who had succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons, was later removed in a vehicle accident in 2022. The two had a nasty feud that was never resolved.
Ratan Tata became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals following his resignation.
Mr. Tata maintained his popularity on social media long after he retired, posting sincere messages to Indian citizens and advocating for the welfare of animals, especially dogs.
Ratan Tata made sure that Bombay House, the Tata group’s headquarters, continued to be a shelter for stray dogs, continuing a practice that dates back to Jamsetji Tata’s time.
According to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023, he was the “most followed entrepreneur” in India, having over 13 million X followers and around 10 million Instagram followers.
Ratan Tata’s formative years
Ratan Tata was born in 1937, and after his parents divorced in 1948, he was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata.
He attended Cornell University to study architecture before enrolling in a Harvard management program.
The single industrialist said that he was on the verge of marriage four times.
He once acknowledged that while he was employed in Los Angeles, he fell in love. However, the girl’s parents made it impossible for her to relocate to India due to the ensuing 1962 Indo-China War.
Honors The second-highest civilian award in India, the Padma Vibhushan, was given to him in 2008. The third-highest award, the Padma Bhushan, had been given to him in 2000.
Largest Tata Group Shareholder
Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, a Parsee businessman, holds the largest stake (18%, valued at 5 billion pounds) in the Tata Group. Noel, his son-in-law, is also half-brother of Ratan Tata.
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