On October 10, 2024, India lost one of its most influential business leaders, Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai. A titan in the corporate world and a dedicated philanthropist, Ratan Tata’s demise marks the end of an era. He had been in critical condition before taking his last breath at Breach Candy Hospital. Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who referred to him as a mentor and guide, expressed the profound sense of loss felt across the nation.
Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, is remembered for transforming the Tata Group into a global enterprise during his leadership from 1991 to 2012. He expanded the group’s operations to over 100 countries, with iconic acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover, Corus Steel, and Tetley. Under his leadership, the group saw its revenues grow 40 times and profits over 50 times. His notable project, the Tata Nano, aimed to bring affordable cars to the common Indian family. Even after stepping down in 2012, he continued to inspire as Chairman Emeritus and actively invested in various startups, fostering innovation.
Beyond his business acumen, Ratan Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy. He dedicated around 60-65% of his wealth to charity, particularly in education, healthcare, and rural development. His quiet yet significant contributions to society earned him the highest civilian honours, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Personal Life: Humility, Simplicity, and a Life of Service
While Ratan Tata’s professional achievements are widely known, his personal life has always intrigued the public due to his humility and simplicity. Born on December 28, 1937, to Naval Tata and Sooni Tata, Ratan grew up in a family that valued both business excellence and social responsibility. His great-grandfather, Jamsetji Tata, was the founder of the Tata Group, and his father, Naval Tata, was adopted into the family by Ratanji Tata, making Ratan part of a rich legacy.
Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell University with a degree in architecture and structural engineering, a field he initially pursued before stepping into the family business. He later completed an advanced management program at Harvard Business School. Despite his immense success, Ratan Tata remained a bachelor throughout his life. In past interviews, he hinted at having been close to marriage on several occasions, but personal circumstances prevented it.
His personal interests extended beyond business—Ratan Tata was an avid lover of cars, animals, and aviation. He famously piloted his own planes and was known for his love for dogs, often seen interacting with them at the Tata headquarters. Tata’s commitment to values such as integrity, honesty, and simplicity made him a beloved figure not just in business circles but across India.
Tata’s personal life was marked by a deep sense of purpose and service, not only to the Tata Group but also to the country. His philosophy of “giving back to society” resonated in every aspect of his life, making him a unique figure in the world of business. Though he never had children of his own, his legacy, values, and philanthropic endeavours will continue to impact future generations for years to come.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest sons, Ratan Tata’s towering influence on both industry and society will be remembered for decades, inspiring leaders and citizens alike to strive for excellence with compassion.