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Ratan Naval Tata, one of India's most revered business leaders and philanthropists, passed away at the age of 86 due to age-related illness. Known globally for ethical leadership and compassion, Ratan Tata leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has touched lives far beyond the boardroom.
In this fast-paced world, where business is more about profit and not much about rights and wrongs, Ratan Tata, son of Naval Tata, was respected globally for ethical leadership and people-first approach. He ran and topped up the Tata Empire with intellect, compassion, and nation-first POV.
Having entered the family business at a young age, he never looked back building successfully on top of the base set up by the Tata group.
A Visionary Leader
Ratan Tata, born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, inherited the legacy of one of India’s most respected industrial families. He was the son of Naval Tata, who was adopted by Ratanji Tata, son of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group.
He completed his education at Cornell University and Harvard Business School, before joining the Tata Group in 1962. Ratan Tata took over the reins as Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, transforming the company into a global powerhouse. He was a chairman of the Tata Group from 1990 to 2012, and interim chairman from October 2016 through February 2017. During the 21 years Ratan Tata led the Tata Group, revenues grew over 40 times, and profit over 50 times.
Tata Group’s reach expanded across continents with acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover, Corus Steel, and Tetley Tea. Ratan Tata’s leadership brought innovation to diverse sectors, including automobiles, steel, technology, and hospitality. He was instrumental in the creation of the Tata Nano, the world’s most affordable car, driven by a vision to provide low-cost transportation to millions of Indian families.
Ratan Tata Passed Away At 86
Ratan Tata was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on October 7 after his blood pressure dropped significantly, sparking concerns among people across the country. The 86-year-old former chairman of Tata Sons issued a statement, assuring that there was no "cause for concern".
He said, "I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits and request that the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation.”
Two days later, he was shifted to intensive care unit (ICU) in a critical condition and passed away due to age-related illness. The veteran industrialist is no more among us today but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Champion In Philanthropy
Ratan Tata is not just known for his business acumen but also for his compassion, humility and philanthropic efforts. Leading a simple lifestyle, Ratan Tata was known as "a man with no haters". He championed causes in healthcare, education, rural development, and child welfare through the Tata Trusts and made a tangible difference in the lives of millions across India.
Long before corporate social responsibility (CSR) became a mainstream concept, Tata companies were already contributing a significant portion of their profits to charitable causes. Ratan Tata's leadership redefined the relationship between business and social good.
Ratan Tata is also one of the largest philanthropists in the world, having donated around 60–65% of his income to charity.
Mentor to a New Generation
In 2012, Ratan Tata officially retired from the Tata Group but remained an active figure in Indian business. He became an angel investor for many startups, mentoring a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs. He made significant investments in technology, healthcare, and innovation. Ratan Tata invested in over 30 start-ups to date, most in a personal capacity and some via his investment company.
A Life Committed To Service And Nation
Ratan Tata never got married and often said his greatest love was for his work and his country. On Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, the former Tata Sons Chairman said, "There are many times I feel lonely for not having a wife or family. There was a whole series of things, timing, my absorption in work. There were many things, I came close to getting married a few times and it didn't work out."
His life was defined by a commitment to integrity, compassion, and service to society. Ratan Tata received the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and Padma Vibhushan in 2008, the third and second highest civilian honours awarded by the Government of India. Tata also received various state civilian honours like 'Maharashtra Bhushan' in 2006 for his huge work in the public administration in Maharashtra and 'Assam Baibhav' in 2021 for his exceptional contribution towards furthering cancer care in Assam.
A Legacy for the Ages
Ratan Tata’s passing leaves a void that will be felt not only in the corporate world but in the hearts of millions who benefited from his generosity and vision. He encouraged the idea that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Ratan Tata will always be remembered as one of India’s greatest industrialists, a humanitarian, and a man who devoted his life to the betterment of society.
May his soul rest in peace.