Legendary industrialist Ratan Tata passes away at 86
Ratan Tata’s legacy transcends business; his influence on society and philanthropy remains deeply embedded in India's fabric.
New Delhi: Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has passed away at the age of 86. On Monday, he had addressed health speculations on social media, clarifying that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups due to his advanced age.
Tributes from industry leaders
"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 N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons. He emphasized Tata's role as a mentor, guide, and friend, noting that under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally while adhering to its moral compass.
Chandrasekaran further acknowledged Tata's significant philanthropic contributions, stating, "From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come."
Tata Group tweets, "It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to 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...."#RatanTata pic.twitter.com/tlpkpAFCos
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2024
Philanthropic impact
Ratan Tata took the helm of the Tata Group in 1991, guiding the conglomerate for over two decades until 2012. He was instrumental in founding Tata Teleservices in 1996 and taking Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004. Notably, Tata also led the acquisition of iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2004.
Innovations under Tata
In 2009, Ratan Tata introduced the Tata Nano, the world's most affordable car at the time, priced at ₹ 1 lakh, making it a symbol of innovation and accessibility. He served twice as chairperson, from 1991 to 2012 and again from 2016 to 2017, and continued to lead charitable trusts after stepping back from day-to-day operations.
Born in 1937, Tata was raised by his grandmother and educated at Cornell University and Harvard. Despite never marrying, he shared stories of near romances, including a heartfelt account of love during his time in Los Angeles. Ratan Tata’s legacy transcends business; his influence on society and philanthropy remains deeply embedded in India's fabric.
