India loses its Ratan
Industry legend Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, died at a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness on Wednesday evening. He was 86.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced the news of Ratan Tata’s death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences.
“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,” a statement issued by Tata Sons read.
It added that for the Tata Group, Ratan Tata was more than a chairperson. “To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” Chandrasekaran said.
Titan Led an unpretentious life
One of the world’s most influential industrialists, he never appeared on any list of billionaires. He controlled over 30 companies that operated in over 100 countries across six continents yet lived an unpretentious life.
The Tata Sons chairman saluted Ratan Tata’s dedication to philanthropy, which touched the lives of millions.
“From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction,” he said, adding that the legacy of Ratan Tata would continue to inspire the enterprise as it strives to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.
PM Modi in his condolences posted on X said: “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.”
The PM added that Ratan Tata’ss contribution went far beyond the boardroom. “He endeared himself to several people, thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” the PM said. Awarded India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, Ratan Tata became chairman of the $100 billion steel to software conglomerate in 1991.
Born in Bombay on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata set up Tata Teleservices, a telecommunications firm, in 1996 and took Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004. The Tata Group went on to receive the tag of reverse colonialists when in 2004 it acquired British car major brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Ratan Tata later manufactured Tata Nano, keeping his promise of making the world’s cheapest car valued at Rs 1 lakh.
In his long innings of spearheading a company founded almost a 100 years ago by his great grandfather, Ratan Tata, a philanthropist industrialist, served as Chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012 and later from 2016 to 2017.
After he stepped down from the Tata Group, Ratan Tata was chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and several other Tata firms.