Ratan Tata, visionary leader and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passes away at 86

PTC News Desk: Ratan Naval Tata, a towering figure in Indian industry and chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away late Wednesday night at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in recent days.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a heartfelt statement, expressing the profound loss felt by the Tata family and the nation. “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,” he said.

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

Chandrasekaran highlighted Tata’s role beyond being the chairperson, describing him as a “mentor, guide, and friend.” He praised Tata for inspiring by example, noting that during his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally while maintaining its core values of excellence, integrity, and innovation. “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,” Chandrasekaran added.

Tata’s dedication to philanthropy was also emphasized in the statement, which pointed out how his charitable initiatives, spanning education and healthcare, have left an indelible impact. “From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come,” said Chandrasekaran.

Tributes from Across India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in mourning the industrialist’s death, calling him “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” In his tribute, Modi recognised Tata’s stable leadership of one of India’s oldest and most respected business houses.

“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 himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” Modi stated.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress Member of Parliament, also expressed his condolences on Tata’s passing, referring to him as a man of great vision who made a lasting impact on both business and philanthropy. “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy,” Gandhi tweeted.

State Funeral and Last Rites

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Ratan Tata would be accorded a state funeral in honour of his contributions to the nation. The Chief Minister declared a day of mourning in the state to pay tribute to the industrial titan.

Ratan Tata’s body will be kept at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai’s Nariman Point on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to allow the public to pay their last respects. His final journey will begin at 3:30 p.m., with his body being taken to the Worli crematorium for the last rites.

Final Message

In his last social media post, shared on October 7, Tata expressed his gratitude to well-wishers and addressed rumors regarding his health. “Thank you for thinking of me,” he wrote, assuring that he was in “good spirits” and undergoing routine check-ups for age-related conditions.

Thank you for thinking of me ???? pic.twitter.com/MICi6zVH99

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) October 7, 2024

Architect of Tata Group’s Global Transformation

Ratan Tata’s legacy as a business leader is defined by the remarkable global expansion of the Tata Group, a feat he accomplished through a series of high-profile acquisitions that transformed the company into a global powerhouse.

After earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University, Tata returned to India in 1962 to join the family business founded by his great-grandfather, Jamsetji Tata. Over the years, he contributed to the growth of several key companies within the Tata empire, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. His leadership was particularly crucial in revitalizing National Radio & Electronics Company (NELCO), a struggling Tata enterprise at the time.

In 1991, Ratan Tata succeeded his uncle J.R.D. Tata as chairman, at a critical juncture when India was opening its economy to the global market. His early tenure saw significant reforms within the Tata Group, including a focus on succession planning, modernizing the company’s leadership, and introducing more streamlined business practices.

One of Tata’s most significant achievements was the group’s global expansion. Under his guidance, the Tata Group made several landmark acquisitions, including the purchase of British tea giant Tetley in 2000, Corus Steel in 2007, and the prestigious automotive brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. These acquisitions solidified Tata Group’s standing on the world stage.

Ratan Tata’s innovative vision also led to the creation of Tata Motors’ Indica, the first Indian-designed car, and the Tata Nano, a groundbreaking project to build the world’s most affordable car.

Honours and Awards

For his outstanding contributions, the Government of India awarded Ratan Tata the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008. Internationally, his achievements were also recognized when he was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rockefeller Foundation.

Ratan Tata’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a visionary business leader, philanthropist, and a true champion of Indian industry will endure for generations to come.