National Icon Ratan Tata passes away at 86, N Chandrasekaran announces in a statement
Ratan Tata, who was the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of the largest conglomerates in India, passed away at the age of 86. On Monday itself, the icon addressed rumors about his health on social media, stating that he was simply undergoing regular medical tests because of his age.
In a statement made late at night on Wednesday, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, announced the passing of Mr. Tata, praising the industrialist’s dedication to excellence, honesty, and creativity.
“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,” said Mr Chandrasekaran.
“For the Tata Group, Mr Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” said Chandrasekaran.
Also read: Tata to set up new defence manufacturing plant in Morocco
Tributes pour in for the National Icon
After the news broke, condolences came from both the industry and outside.
PM Modi hails Tata as “a compassionate soul”
PM Modi praised praised the industrialist as ” a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being”.
“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” the Prime Minister posted on X in a series of tweets along with pictures.
Ratan Tata was a man with a vision, says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”
Paying highest respect to the iconic personality, Gautam Adani said “legends like him never fade away”.
Mukesh Ambani hailed Ratan Tata as one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted sons
Mukesh Ambani hailed Mr Tata as one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Ambani expressed his condolences, stating that Ratan Tata’s death is a significant loss for both India and India Inc, not only affecting the Tata Group but every Indian.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Ratan Tata, whom he considered a close friend, and emphasized that their interactions significantly increased his admiration for his character and values.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited the businessman for “mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India”.
Also read: Hurun India Rich List 2024: This industrialist tops the list; Find out…
Ratan Tata- A Short Bio
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 subsequently pursued a management program at Harvard University.
In 1991, Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the $100 billion conglomerate, leading the group established by his great-grandfather over a century ago until 2012. He established telecommunications firm Tata Teleservices in 1996 and made IT company Tata Consultancy Services go public in 2004.
In 2004, Tata Group, an Indian company, experienced a role reversal when it bought the celebrated British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover, becoming reverse colonialists.
In 2009, Ratan Tata kept his word by making the world’s most affordable car available to the middle class. The Tata Nano, which cost ₹ 1 lakh, emerged as a representation of creativity and accessibility.
Following his resignation, Ratan Tata assumed the position of chairman emeritus at Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals.
