Ratan Tata, the influential Indian tycoon and former chairman of Tata Group, has died at the age of 86, as announced by the conglomerate he led for over two decades.
Tata was widely regarded as one of India’s most internationally recognized business leaders, transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.
The company, which has annual revenues exceeding $100 billion, made several landmark acquisitions under his leadership, including the purchase of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, Jaguar and Land Rover, and the tea company Tetley.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, described Tata as a “truly uncommon leader,” adding, “His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.”
Paying tribute, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called him a “titan of the business world” who played a significant role in shaping British industry.
In 2011, The Economist referred to Tata as a “titan,” highlighting his transformation of the Tata family business into a global giant, noting that despite owning less than 1% of the group, he remained one of the most powerful and influential businessmen in the world.
Tata retired as chairman in 2012 but continued to serve as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Tata as a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being,” expressing his grief over Tata’s passing.
Tata’s body was laid at a cultural center in Mumbai for people to pay their respects, and he is set to receive a state funeral.
Born in 1937 into a Parsi family, Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University before joining Tata Industries in 1962.
He worked in several of the group’s companies, including Tata Steel and Tata Consultancy Services, before succeeding JRD Tata as chairman in 1991.
JRD Tata, who led the group for over 50 years, was a mentor to him, with Ratan Tata later recalling, “He was my greatest mentor… he was like a father and a brother to me.”
Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008. Peter Casey, author of The Story of Tata, described him as “modest, reserved, and even shy,” yet noted his “stately calm” and “fierce discipline.”
Despite his reserved nature, Tata had a well-known love for fast cars, planes, and scuba diving.
A lifelong dog lover, Tata often spoke of the companionship his pets brought him, saying, “My love for dogs as pets is ever strong and will continue for as long as I live.”
In his later years, Tata was often praised for his simplicity.
In 2022, a video of him driving a Nano, one of the world’s cheapest cars and a project dear to him, went viral, highlighting his down-to-earth persona despite his towering achievements in business.
Source-BBC
