RATAN TATA The legendary industrialist, philanthropist, and chairman emeritus of the Tata group, Ratan Naval Tata, passed away on 9 October at the age of 86. He passed away in the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he was brought on Monday morning for illnesses related to ageing. His death was confirmed by Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, in a tweet. He was born in Bombay on 28 December 1937 into a renowned family of Indian industrialists and philanthropists. He was the son of Naval Tata and Sooni Tata. Known for his dedication to social development and exemplary corporate leadership, Ratan Tata's legacy will be long-lasting. After earning his B.S. in architecture from Cornell University in 1962, he returned to India to start his career with the Tata Group. He began managing operations at Tata Steel and eventually became the chairman in 1991, succeeding his uncle, J.R.D. Tata. Apart from his commitment to Tata Sons, Ratan Tata's social work and leadership have influenced many Indians. He received the Padma Vibhushan (2008) and Padma Bhushan (2000) awards in India for his contributions, as well as the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2014 and the Order of Australia in 2023. He was also honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award in April 2024, among other accolades. In 2004, Ratan Tata played a crucial role in taking TCS public, which brought global recognition to the Tata Group. Under his guidance, significant mergers included Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley. In 2009, he introduced the Tata Nano to provide the most affordable car for India's middle class. However, marketing it as the "cheapest car" was a mistake, creating an association with low quality. Despite this, Ratan Tata's visionary leadership led to substantial donations, including $28 million to Cornell University for the Tata Scholarship Fund, $50 million to Harvard Business School for Tata Hall, and ₹95 crores to IIT-Bombay for the Tata Center for Technology and Design. Ratan Tata retired as the chairman of the Tata Group in December 2012. He briefly served as interim chairman from October 2016 to January 2017, after the removal of his successor, Cyrus Mistry, until Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed as the chairman of the Tata Group. Ratan Tata was known for his charitable work, including establishing a dedicated section for stray dogs at the Tata Group headquarters in Mumbai and opening the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital. His efforts to provide emotional and financial support during difficult times highlighted his deep sense of responsibility and empathy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ratan Naval Tata's legacy includes innovative leadership, philanthropy, and ethical values. His compassionate approach to business championed inclusive growth and societal well-being, leaving an indelible mark on India and the world. Despite his passing, Ratan Tata's contributions and values continue to inspire future generations, making him a timeless figure in global industry and humanitarian efforts.
1937-2024
10 Oct 2024
Ashvi Jain
