Veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata, who was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments, passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday. He was 86.
“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,” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement.
“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,” added the statement.
The statement added that Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions.
“From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction,” the statement said.
“On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed,” it added.
On Monday, the industrialist in a social media post had dismissed speculation surrounding his health and had said he was undergoing routine medical investigations due to his age.
Tata, the great-grandson of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata, was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval and Sooni Tata. After his parents separated in 1948, he was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata.
Tata began his career in 1961 at Tata Steel, starting from the ground up and managing operations on the shop floor. This foundational experience paved the way for his future leadership role within the Tata Group.
During his tenure, Ratan Tata led significant restructuring efforts at a time when the Indian economy was liberalising. He played a crucial role in the expansion of several well-known products, including the Tata Nano and Tata Indica.
Under his guidance, Tata Tea acquired Tetley, Tata Motors purchased Jaguar Land Rover, and Tata Steel acquired Corus in 2004.
In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his vision of creating an affordable vehicle for the masses with the launch of the Tata Nano, which was priced at Rs 1 lakh. This innovation made waves in the automotive industry and symbolized accessibility for middle-class families.
Despite nearly marrying four times, Ratan Tata remained unmarried. He once revealed that he fell in love while working in Los Angeles, but the relationship ended when the girl’s parents refused to allow her to move to India due to the ongoing 1962 Indo-China War.
With inputs from agencies
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