Ratan Tata, the prominent Indian business tycoon and former chairman of the Tata Group, has passed away at the age of 86. Tata, who led India’s largest conglomerate for over two decades, had been under intensive care at a Mumbai hospital, according to Reuters.
During his tenure, Tata was known for a series of high-profile acquisitions, including the purchase of British tea company Tetley in 2000 for $432 million, and the acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for $13 billion in 2007—marking a landmark foreign takeover by an Indian firm. Later, Tata Motors acquired two iconic British car brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, from Ford Motor Company.
“We bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata with a profound sense of loss. He was a unique leader whose immeasurable contributions shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” the company stated.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, expressed his condolences, stating, “On behalf of the entire Tata family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.”
Tata’s death has led to an outpouring of grief across India, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, business tycoons, and Bollywood celebrities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tata as “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Mukesh Ambani, one of India’s wealthiest businessmen, praised Tata as a “visionary industrialist and philanthropist who always strived for society’s greater good.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin stated that “India has lost a giant.”
The state of Maharashtra declared a day of mourning and announced that Tata’s last rites would be conducted with full state honors.
After earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University in the United States, Tata returned to India in 1962 and began working for the company his great-grandfather had founded nearly a century earlier. Thirty years later, he took over from his uncle, JRD Tata, ushering in a period of global expansion and rapid growth for the company. He modernized the conglomerate’s structure by instituting retirement policies and promoting younger talent to leadership roles.
Under his leadership, Tata introduced the Indica, the first car model designed and built entirely in India. He also envisioned and contributed to the design of the Nano, which was marketed as the world’s most affordable car. While the Indica achieved commercial success, the Nano faced challenges due to safety issues and a flawed marketing campaign, ultimately leading to its discontinuation.
Tata, a licensed pilot, was known for his reserved nature, humility, and love for animals. “My love for dogs as pets is ever strong and will continue for as long as I live,” he said in a 2021 interview. Despite never marrying, he frequently spoke about the deep bond he shared with his pets, saying, “Every time one of my pets passes away, I feel an indescribable sadness, and I resolve not to go through such partings again. But a few years later, my home becomes too quiet and empty without them, and another dog receives my affection and attention, just like the last one.”
In 2008, the Indian government honored Tata with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to industry and society.
