Veteran Industrialist Ratan Tata Dies at 86

Mumbai: Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India’s most influential industrialists, died at the age of 86. His death was announced by N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, late on Wednesday. Mr. Tata had passed away, and Chandrasekaran had expressed deep grief and honored Mr. Tata’s last remains with lasting contributions to India and the Tata Group.

A Life of Leadership and Integrity

Ratan Tata makes an icon for his legendary leadership and high moral and ethics values of governing Tata Sons between 1991 and 2012, and once again briefly in 2016. Ratan Tata’s leadership has enabled this group to become a corporate giant globally. This even included milestone achievements, such as the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 as well as the launching of the Tata Nano in 2009 then marketed as the world’s cheapest car.

Chandrasekaran said, “It is with a deep sense of loss that we say goodbye to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a leader who was truly one of a kind, whose immeasurable contributions have not only marked the Tata Group but have actually shaped the very fibre of our nation.” He further added, “Tata has shown influence way beyond business, into education and healthcare as well, through the initiatives he took in philanthropy to create lasting legacies.”.

Tributes Flow in for Ratan Tata

News of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata’s death has brought tributes from leaders from all walks of business and political life:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader and an extraordinary human being. He endeared himself to many thanks to his humility and unwavering commitment towards bettering society.”

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. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024

Gautam Adani: “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Legends like him never fade away.”

Anand Mahindra: “I have found it impossible to accept Ratan Tata’s absence. We not only inherited an empire but his mentorship was invaluable; he taught us that wealth is best used in service of the global community.”

Mukesh Ambani: “It is a sad day for India and India Inc. The passing of Ratan Tata is a loss for each Indian.”

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and even Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed their condolences, with Pichai underlining Tata’s job in forming modern business leadership in India.

Legacy of Philanthropy and Compassion

Ratan Tata’s commitment towards social causes went well beyond business activities. His philanthropy at the Tata Group revolved around education, healthcare, and animal welfare. He was considered solicitous towards stray animals, and Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata, is a haven for stray dogs.

Awards and Recognition

The following accolades came to Ratan Tata during his lifetime:

Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India’s second-highest civilian award
Padma Bhushan in 2000

Tata was known for his humility and simplicity and lived a single life throughout. He also had the humongous following on social media and messages on kindness and social causes.

State Funeral and Mourning in Maharashtra

The government of Maharashtra declared that Veteran Industrialist Ratan Tata will be given a state funeral. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed him as a “unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship”. While the legacy of Tata will inspire generations ahead in business and beyond, his absence is going to be sorely felt across the country.

Mumbai | Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar says "All the programs of the state government in Mumbai have been cancelled for tomorrow, due to the death of industrialist Ratan Tata…" pic.twitter.com/BsXWKOtYUc

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata’s contribution to India’s industrial landscape, combined with his belief in social betterment, guarantees that his work will be remembered by the nation.