Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata passed away at a Mumbai hospital late on Wednesday.
The chairman emeritus of the Tata Group conglomerate was 86, and undergoing treatment for age-related issues since the last few days.
He is survived by his younger brothers Jimmy Tata and Noel Tata and stepmother Simone Tata.
In a statement, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “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… For the Tata Group, Mr. 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.”
He also said Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society had touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives left a deep-rooted mark that would benefit generations to come.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Tata on X, saying he was “extremely pained by his passing away”.
He was a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being,” Modi said adding that, “My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour.”
Tributes are also pouring from all corners of India and the world to express the loss of the beloved business mogul, with top business leaders, political leaders, and global personalities remembering him as “my hero, an iconic legacy, a rare soul, and Kohinoor of India”.
The man, the legacy
Tata was born in a traditional Parsi family in 1937. He studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University in the US.
In 1962, he joined Tata Industries – the promoter company of the group – as an assistant and spent six months training at a company plant in Jamshedpur. From here, he went on to work at the Tata Iron and Steel Company (now Tata Steel), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and National Radio and Electronics (Nelco).
In 1991, JRD Tata, who had led the group for over half a century, appointed Ratan Tata as his successor. In 2008, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour.
One of his biggest differentiators as an industrialist and the head of a group that reshaped India’s modern history, was to integrate ethical principles into the day-today running and working culture of his companies.
Despite being among the biggest companies in the country, he sought to retain the “common, honest man of India” image.
Under his leadership, Tata Group embraced the philosophy of “Leadership with Trust,” which guided decision-making and corporate governance. A prime example is his commitment to ethical labour practices, he championed fair wages and working conditions, ensuring that employees were treated with dignity.
He also spearheaded the Tata Group to invest in sustainable technologies, such as the development of the Tata Nano, aiming to provide affordable transportation while minimizing environmental impact.
Leaders Share Heartfelt Tributes on Twitter Following the Passing of Ratan Tata
His emphasis on philanthropy is also evident in initiatives like the Tata Trusts, which fund education, healthcare, and rural development projects, reinforcing the belief that businesses should contribute positively to society. Through these actions, Ratan Tata not only transformed the conglomerate but also set a standard for ethical leadership in the corporate world. His name had become synonymous with India itself, impacting the lives of millions at the grassroots level.
He will be accorded a state funeral, announced Eknath Shinde, chief minister of Maharashtra.
