Sundar Pichai recalls on final meeting with Ratan Tata: ‘We talked about…’

PTC News Desk: As heartfelt tributes continue to pour in for the late Ratan Tata, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai joined the global chorus of admirers, honoring the legendary industrialist’s “business and philanthropic legacy.” In a poignant social media post, Pichai reminisced about his interaction with Tata, sharing how deeply the Tata Group Chairman Emeritus cared about the future of India.

My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply…

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024

Reflecting on their conversation, Pichai recalled discussing Google’s autonomous driving technology, Waymo, and how Tata’s vision for the future was “inspiring to hear.” He added that Ratan Tata’s unwavering commitment to advancing India’s position on the global stage was remarkable. “He was instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India,” Pichai wrote, underscoring Tata’s profound influence on the country’s corporate world.

Sundar Pichai was among several leading business figures who paid homage to Ratan Tata. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, and Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, also shared heartfelt tributes, acknowledging Tata’s transformative role in Indian business and society.

A Legacy of Transformation and Global Expansion

Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, was a visionary leader who redefined the Tata Group during his tenure. Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Tata was educated at Cornell University, where he studied architecture and structural engineering. After completing his studies, he returned to India in 1962 and joined the family business. He worked his way up, gaining valuable experience across various Tata companies.

In 1971, Tata was appointed Director-in-Charge of National Radio and Electronics Company (NELCO), one of the Tata Group’s struggling enterprises at the time. A decade later, in 1981, he was named chairman of Tata Industries. By 1991, he succeeded his uncle, JRD Tata, as chairman of Tata Group, taking over leadership of the conglomerate, which had been under his uncle’s stewardship for over 50 years.

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Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group underwent a massive transformation. He spearheaded the group’s global expansion, securing landmark acquisitions, including British steelmaker Corus and luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover. This bold move solidified Tata’s position as a global conglomerate, with interests spanning diverse sectors—from coffee and cars to software, steel, airlines, and India’s first super app.

Philanthropy and Recognition

Beyond his corporate achievements, Ratan Tata’s contributions to philanthropy left an indelible mark. As Chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust—two of the largest philanthropic institutions in India—he played a pivotal role in advancing social causes. His initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development impacted millions of lives, further enhancing his legacy as a business leader with a conscience.

For his outstanding contributions to business and philanthropy, Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008.

Ratan Tata retired as Chairman of the Tata Group in 2012 but continued to serve as Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a visionary industrialist, philanthropist, and mentor to countless leaders will continue to shape India’s future for generations to come.

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