Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group and one of India's most iconic industrialists, has passed away at the age of 86, according to an official statement from the conglomerate. The announcement has sent ripples of grief throughout India and the global business community, marking the end of an era for the corporate world.
“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 Group stated on Wednesday.
Ratan Tata, born in 1937 to the illustrious Tata family, rose to prominence as the chairman of Tata Group, a role he assumed in 1991, a pivotal year in India’s economic history. Under his leadership, the conglomerate grew beyond India’s borders, becoming a global name with key acquisitions like British tea brand Tetley in 2000, and the renowned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) from Ford in 2008. These high-profile deals, among others, solidified Tata's vision of turning Tata Group into a global powerhouse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), calling Tata a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.” Modi further highlighted Tata’s unwavering leadership and the enduring impact he had on India’s oldest and most prestigious business house.
Ratan Tata's journey began at Cornell University, where he studied architecture and structural engineering before returning to India in 1962 to join the family business. Tata Group, founded by his great-grandfather in 1868, played a pivotal role in building key national industries, including India’s first steel plant and first luxury hotel, and pioneering the country’s domestic airline.
His tenure as chairman coincided with India’s economic liberalization in the early 1990s, allowing him to push the company’s global ambitions. Under his watch, Tata Group acquired British steelmaker Corus in 2007 for $12.1 billion and JLR in 2008, cementing his reputation as a bold and visionary leader.
Tata stepped down as chairman in 2012 but remained an influential figure as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. In recent years, Tata dedicated much of his time to philanthropic causes, including improving the welfare of stray animals in India, a testament to his compassionate nature.
Ratan Tata’s passing leaves a deep void in Indian industry, and his contributions to business, society, and philanthropy will be remembered for generations. He leaves behind a legacy not only of business success but of humility and service to the greater good.
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