Ratan Tata is one of India’s most respected and influential industrialists, known for his visionary leadership and philanthropy. He was the chairman of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and oldest conglomerates, from 1991 to 2012 and then again as interim chairman in 2016. Under his guidance, the Tata Group transformed into a global powerhouse, expanding its reach and influence beyond India.
When Ratan Tata took over the reins of the Tata Group, he focused on modernizing and globalizing the company. Some of his most notable achievements include the acquisitions of global brands such as Tetley Tea, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus Steel, which made the Tata Group a globally recognized name.
One of his most iconic projects was the launch of the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car. His vision was to make cars affordable for the common man in India, offering millions of families the opportunity to own their first vehicle. Although the project faced several challenges and did not achieve the success envisioned, it demonstrated Ratan Tata’s innovative and inclusive approach to business.
Ratan Tata has always believed in giving back to society. Much of his wealth is held in philanthropic trusts, which fund various initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, and environmental conservation. Through the Tata Trusts, Ratan Tata has contributed to building schools, hospitals, and research institutions, benefiting millions of people in India.
His commitment to humanitarian work extends beyond India. After the 9/11 attacks in the United States, he personally visited the Tata-owned Taj Hotels in New York to show solidarity. Similarly, when the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai was attacked in 2008, he stood by the staff and families of the victims, offering support and assistance.
What Mukesh Ambani said after ‘dear friend’ Ratan Tata’s demise?
Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, drew his last breath at the age of 86. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was receiving treatment before his demise.
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. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied. Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good. With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991. On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti. Mukesh Ambani”