Ratan Tata has sadly passed away at the age of 86.
The Indian tycoon and revolutionary businessman reportedly passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday (October 9), per BBC News.
His passing was announced by the current chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who described Tata as a "truly uncommon leader".
"On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones," Chandrasekaran said in his statement. "His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed."
As the revered leader of the Tata Group for over two decades, his legacy is etched deep in the corridors of corporate and philanthropic worlds alike.
Under Tata's stewardship, the Tata Group not only dominated the Indian industrial landscape but also vaulted onto the global stage, boasting annual revenues exceeding $100 billion.
Born in 1937, Tata had studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University in the United States and later attended Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program in 1975.
He joined Tata Industries in 1962. His beginnings there were humble, working on the shop floor of Tata Steel, shoveling limestone and handling the blast furnace.
He was appointed chairman in 1991.
His leadership saw the conglomerate make audacious acquisitions, such as Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, iconic car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, and Tetley, the world's second-largest tea company, reshaping the family-owned group into a global powerhouse.
Tata's influence stretched far beyond the boardroom. The Economist in 2011 revered him as a "titan" of industry.
"He owns less than 1% of the group that bears his family name. But he is a titan nonetheless: the most powerful businessman in India and one of the most influential in the world," the publication added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over Tata's passing, lauding him as a "visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being."
Post-retirement, Tata held the title of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, continuing to influence the group while engaging in philanthropy. Tata Trusts, of which he was a leading trustee, is one of the oldest philanthropic institutions in India, focusing on areas such as education, health, livelihoods, and rural development.
His later years were not without controversy, notably during the public and bitter management feud following the ousting of his successor, Cyrus Mistry, in 2016.
Tata was also known for his love of fast cars, planes, and scuba diving — passions that he pursued with as much fervor as his professional endeavors. A devoted dog lover, Tata spoke emotionally about the joys and sorrows of pet ownership, revealing the tender side of the industrial magnate.
Speaking about his "love for dogs" in a 2021 interview, Tata said: "There is an indescribable sadness every time one of my pets passes away and I resolve I cannot go through another parting of that nature. And yet, two-three years down the road, my home becomes too empty and too quiet for me to live without them, so there is another dog that gets my affection and attention, just like the last one."
Even as he navigated the heights of corporate success, Tata was celebrated for his simplicity. A viral video in 2022 showcased him traveling in a Nano car, symbolizing his humble approach and the ethos of accessibility that he often championed.
Ratan Tata's journey was one of dramatic scale and scope, marked by monumental successes and the occasional setback, but always underscored by an unwavering commitment to his values and vision. As the world remembers him, his stories of resilience, innovation, and compassion continue to inspire and instruct future generations.
As a result of his dedication and influence, Tata was awarded the civilian honors of Padma Bhushan in 2000 and later the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Our thoughts go out to Tata's family, friends, and supporters at this time.
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