Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, died at the age of 86. On Monday, the industrialist had dismissed speculation about his health in a post on social media and said he was undergoing regular medical check-ups due to his age.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran announced Mr Tata’s death in a statement late Wednesday night, praising the industrialist’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation.
“It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Mr Ratan Naval Tata, a truly extraordinary leader whose incomparable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the fabric of our nation,” Mr Chandrasekaran said.
“For the Tata Group, Mr Tata was more than a chairman. For me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, under his leadership the Tata Group expanded its global footprint while always staying true to its ethical norms.” Recalling Mr Tata’s contribution to philanthropy, Mr Chandrasekaran said, “From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep mark, benefiting generations to come.” As soon as the news broke, tributes started pouring in from the industry and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the industrialist, calling him “a kind soul and an extraordinary human being”. “Shri Ratan Tata ji was a visionary business leader, a kind soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided steady leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contributions went far beyond the boardroom. He was beloved by many for his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to improving our society,” the Prime Minister wrote in a series of tweets accompanied by photos. Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a visionary. He has left an indelible mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.” Praising the industry giant, Gautam Adani said “giants like him never fade”. “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined the path of modern India. Ratan Tata was not just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Giants like him never fade. Om Shanti,” Mr Adani wrote. Industrialist Anand Mahindra said he was “unable to accept Ratan Tata’s absence”.
“I am unable to accept Ratan Tata’s absence. India’s economy is on the verge of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have contributed immensely to where we are now. So, his guidance and mentorship would have been invaluable at this time. With his departure, all we can do is commit ourselves to emulating his example. For he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put in the service of the global community,” Mr Mahindra said.
Mukesh Ambani described Mr Tata as one of India’s most wonderful and compassionate sons.
In his condolence message, Mr Ambani said, “This is a very sad day for India and Indian industry. Ratan Tata’s demise is a great loss not only for the Tata Group, but for every Indian.”
“On a personal level, I am deeply saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata, as I have lost a dear friend,” he said. He further added that conversations with him “have only increased my respect for the greatness of his character and the outstanding human values he espoused.” Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder of Biocon Ltd and Biocon Biologics, tweeted an old photo remembering Mr Tata. Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited the businessman with “guiding and developing modern business leadership in India”.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and played a key role in guiding and developing modern business leadership in India. He cared deeply about making India a better place. My deepest condolences to his loved ones and may Shri Ratan Tata’s soul rest in peace,” Pichai wrote on X. Ratan Tata became chairman of the $100 billion steel-to-software conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012. He founded telecom company Tata Teleservices in 1996 and took IT company Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004. After a role reversal in 2004, the Tata Group, an Indian company that had acquired iconic British car brands – Jaguar and Land Rover, found itself as reverse colonisers. In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to make the world’s cheapest car accessible to the middle class. The Tata Nano, priced at ₹1 lakh, became a symbol of innovation and affordability.
Mr Tata was the chairman of the Tata Group conglomerate twice, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. Although he distanced himself from the day-to-day functioning of the company, he continued to head its charitable trusts.
Cyrus Mistry, who succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons but was later ousted from the post in India’s most high-profile boardroom coup, died in a car accident in 2022. The bitterness between the two is still unresolved.
After stepping down, Ratan Tata became the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals.
Even long after retirement, Mr Tata remained a popular figure on social media, where he posted heartfelt posts about animal rights (especially dogs) and appealed to Indian citizens.
Carrying forward a tradition that dates back to the time of Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata ensured that Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, remained a shelter for stray dogs.
With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, he was the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 One Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
Early Life of Ratan Tata
Born in 1937, Ratan Tata was raised by his grandmother Navajbai Tata after his parents separated in 1948.
He studied architecture at Cornell University, and followed it up with a management course at Harvard.
According to his own account, the unmarried industrialist came close to getting married on four occasions.
He once admitted that he fell in love while working in Los Angeles. But due to the 1962 Indo-China war, the girl’s parents refused to let him move to India.
Honours
In 2008, he received India’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. In 2000, he received the third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan.
The largest shareholder in the Tata Group
The largest shareholder in the Tata Group is another Parsi businessman, Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, with an 18% stake worth £5 billion. His son-in-law Noel is also Ratan Tata’s half-brother.
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