A time capsule of Ratan Tata’s illustrious life
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night. He had been receiving treatment for a prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in recent days.
In a heartfelt statement, N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, reflected on Tata’s profound impact: “For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation helped expand the group’s global footprint while maintaining its moral compass.”
Leading the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, Ratan Tata’s legacy is marked not only by significant business successes but also by a steadfast dedication to prioritizing “India and Indians first.”
Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to a distinguished Parsi family.Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the group’s founder.
He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 1962 before embarking on his career within the family business, aking over as chairman during a challenging period in 1991. The group’s revenues stood at $5.8 billion, Tata spearheaded remarkable growth, increasing revenues to over $100 billion by 2011-12.
Notable milestones during his tenure include the launch of the Tata Indica in 1998, India’s first diesel hatchback, and the Tata Nano in 2008, which aimed to be the world’s cheapest car, priced at Rs 1 lakh, providing affordable mobility for the Indian middle class.
Tata was instrumental in acquiring global companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, solidifying Tata Group’s position in diverse sectors including steel, automobiles, telecommunications, and information technology.
Beyond business, Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy, leading Tata Trusts in initiatives focused on community development, education, healthcare, and rural improvement, significantly impacting countless lives.
His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, underscoring his exceptional business acumen and unwavering integrity.
