Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. The veteran industrialist, who had been in critical condition, took his final breath at a hospital in Mumbai.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, in a heartfelt statement, confirmed the news, describing Tata as a “friend, mentor, and guide.” Chandrasekaran expressed the profound loss felt by the company and the nation, stating, “We bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, an extraordinary leader whose contributions shaped not just the Tata Group but also India’s progress.”
Chandrasekaran further elaborated on Tata’s impact, highlighting his leadership that saw the Tata Group expand globally while maintaining its ethical principles. “His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation defined the Tata Group under his stewardship. His dedication to philanthropy, from education to healthcare, transformed countless lives. Yet, despite all his achievements, his humility remained a constant in every interaction.”
Extending condolences on behalf of the Tata family, Chandrasekaran affirmed that Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, encouraging the company to uphold the values he championed.
Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Group, also paid tribute, stating, “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. Ratan Tata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy. His imprint on business and beyond is indelible. He will forever remain in our memories.”
Ratan Tata was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 7 after a drop in blood pressure. Despite earlier statements from Tata that there was no cause for alarm, his health condition had deteriorated in recent days.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, calling Tata a “Titan of Indian industry” whose contributions to the economy were monumental. “My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” Singh added.
A Brief Profile of Ratan Tata:
- Ratan Tata earned a B.Arch. degree from Cornell University in 1962 and worked briefly in Los Angeles before returning to India later that year.
- He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975.
- Tata took over as Chairman of Tata Sons in March 1991, steering the group until his retirement on December 28, 2012.
- Under his leadership, the Tata Group’s revenue surged from ₹10,000 crore in 1991 to $100 billion by 2011-12.
- His tenure saw landmark acquisitions, including Tetley in 2000 for $450 million, Corus in 2007 for £6.2 billion, and Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 for $2.3 billion.
- In 2008, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
- After retiring, Tata faced a legal and boardroom battle with his successor Cyrus Mistry, who was ousted as Tata Sons chairman in 2016.
- Tata returned briefly as Interim Chairman before passing the leadership to N Chandrasekaran in 2017 and transitioning to Chairman Emeritus.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is one of visionary leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering integrity that continues to shape India’s corporate and social landscape.
