Shri Ratan Naval Tata or Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, has passed away at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. His health had deteriorated due to age-related medical conditions, resulting in his hospitalization before his passing away.
Ratan Tata’s contributions to Indian industry and society have been profound, and his passing marks the end of a significant era in the legacy of one of India’s largest conglomerates.
Profound Loss of Shri Ratan Tata, A Businessman and Philanthropist
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed deep grief for the Tata family and the nation in a press statement. He stated, “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.”
The Tata family also released a statement expressing their grief, saying, “We his brothers, sisters, and family take solace and comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us in person, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations.”
Tributes and Condolences to Shri Rata Tata from Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to honor Ratan Tata, describing him as 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.”
PM Shri Narendra Modi
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences, stating, “Time cannot take away Rata Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He’ll live on in our hearts.”
Reliance Industries Limited tweeted, “It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian”.
Moreover, the CEO Of Google and Alphabet Sundar Pichai, recalled his last meeting with Shri Ratan Tata Ji and expressed deep condolences. He tweeted, “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.”
Furthermore, Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh paused his concert in Germany to pay tribute to Ratan Tata. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a state funeral for Industrialist Ratan Tata who died at Mumbai Hospital.
A Glimpse into Lesser-Known Facts About Shri Ratan Tata’s Life
Unmarried Life
Padma Vibushan Awardee Ratan Tata’s personal life was defined by notable moments, yet it was characterized by solitude. In an interview to CNN, he had revealed that he came close to getting married four times in his life, but backed off each time due to fear.
Passion for Aviation
An interesting aspect of Tata’s life was his fascinating passion for flying; he was a licensed pilot. His enthusiasm for aviation provided him with a unique sense of freedom and perspective, which he often cherished.
Animal Lover and Animal Welfare Advocate
Tata was deeply compassionate towards animals, actively engaging in various initiatives for animal welfare. He supported many shelters and rescue organizations, highlighting his passion for animal rights. In a notable instance, he once chose to skip the Lifetime Achievement Award from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 2018 when his dog fell seriously ill, and he decided to stay back to care for his pet, emphasizing his loyalty and compassion.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Tata was not only a prominent businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. He devoted significant resources to charitable initiatives aimed at uplifting the needy and marginalized communities. His contributions have left a lasting difference in society, reflecting his belief in the responsibility of the privileged to contribute positively to the community.
Influences from Early Life
He faced personal challenges in his early life, notably the separation of his parents in 1948. He was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, who instilled in him strong values and principles that guided his future decisions and leadership approach.
Educational Background
Tata’s educational journey included studying architecture at Cornell University and management at Harvard University. This academic background significantly played a crucial role in shaping his leadership skills and business strategies.
Expanding the Tata Group
Tata led the Tata Group through a major global expansion. He played a key role in acquiring several international companies, such as Tetley, Corus, and Jaguar Land Rover. These strategic moves not only broadened the group’s portfolio but also elevated Indian businesses on the world stage.
The Jaguar and Land Rover Acquisition
One of the most notable stories during Ratan Tata’s tenure was the purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover. In 1999, during a visit to the U.S., Tata aimed to sell his faltering automotive company to Ford. During a tense meeting, Ford Chairman Bill Ford insulted him by stating, “You do not know anything; why did you start the passenger car division at all? We are doing you a big favor by buying your car division”.
Feeling insulted, Tata decided not to proceed with the sale and returned to India. Nine years later, the tables turned when Ford, struggling with losses from Jaguar and Land Rover reached out to Tata to purchase the brands. Bill Ford’s perspective changed significantly, “You are doing us a big favor by buying JLR, thank you.” This incident exemplifies Tata’s resilience and knack for turning challenges into opportunities.
Ratan Tata’s Contributions to the Automotive Industry
Tata’s influence has made a significant impact in the automotive sector, especially with the launch of Tata Motors’ first indigenous passenger car, the Tata Indica in 1998. This event marked a turning point for the Indian automotive industry, highlighting Tata’s dedication to innovation.
In 2008, he launched the Tata Nano, a small car designed to provide affordable transportation for the general public. This initiative was part of his broader vision to make mobility accessible to everyone, addressing the needs of ordinary people.
A Lasting Legacy of Shri Rata Tata
Ratan Tata’s legacy embodies exceptional leadership, compassion, and a dedication to societal betterment. He transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse while demonstrating the values of humility and generosity. His impact will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, ensuring that his contributions to both business and philanthropy will be remembered and cherished.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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