NEW DELHI: Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India’s biggest conglomerates Tata Group, died at 86 after prolonged illness. He was admitted to the hospital due to his age and health related medical conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Ratan Tata and called him a visionary business leader, 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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few,” he added.
Ratan Tata’s legacy
Ratan Tata, who is also known for his charitable work, served as the chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the conglomerate founded by his great-grandfather over a century ago.
In 1996, Tata established Tata Teleservices, the telecommunications arm of the group, and in 2004, he led the initial public offering of Tata Consultancy Services, the group’s IT company.
After stepping down as chairman in 2012, Tata retained the honorary title of chairman emeritus for several Tata companies, including Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals.
He oversaw the Tata Trusts, which played a crucial role in India’s philanthropic landscape. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tata was awarded two of India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Beyond his business achievements, Tata was also known for his support of entrepreneurship. He had invested in more than 30 start-ups across various sectors, cementing his position as a prominent investor in the Indian start-up ecosystem. Ratan Tata’s legacy extends far beyond the Tata Group, as his vision and leadership have shaped the Indian business landscape and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs.