October 10: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, renowned industrialist, and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 86 following a prolonged illness. He had been admitted to the hospital due to age-related health complications.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, in a statement, confirmed Tata’s passing, describing him as a “friend, mentor, and guide.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “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. His contribution extended far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to many with his humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improving society.” PM Modi also noted Tata’s passion for dreaming big and championing causes such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, remarking, “Ratan Tata was a man of vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community,” in a post on X.
Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group expanded significantly, building upon the foundation laid by his great-grandfather over a century ago. In 1996, he launched Tata Teleservices, marking the group’s entry into telecommunications, and in 2004, he was instrumental in the successful IPO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the group’s flagship IT company.
Although Tata stepped down as Chairman in 2012, he remained Chairman Emeritus for several key Tata companies, including Tata Sons, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, and Tata Industries. He also continued his active involvement with Tata Trusts, playing a vital role in India’s philanthropic movement.
For his unparalleled contributions to industry and society, Tata was honored with four of India’s highest civilian awards: the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. His legacy extended far beyond the business world, as he was a passionate advocate for startups, investing in over 30 ventures across various sectors, further cementing his position as a key figure in India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Ratan Tata’s lasting legacy goes beyond the Tata Group. His vision and leadership reshaped India’s business landscape, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaving an indelible mark on the country’s industrial and philanthropic sectors.
DEEANO WARI
