Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and a towering figure in Indian industry, has passed away at the age of 86. Just days before his death, he addressed speculation about his health, clarifying that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups due to his age. N Chandrasekaran, current chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed the news late Wednesday, expressing profound sadness over the loss of a leader whose contributions have significantly shaped both the Tata Group and India itself.
Chandrasekaran described Tata as “a truly uncommon leader” and highlighted his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. Under Tata’s stewardship from 1991 to 2012, the Tata Group expanded its global footprint while staying true to its moral compass. He also emphasized Tata’s philanthropic efforts, noting that his initiatives in education and healthcare have left a lasting impact for future generations.
Tributes poured in from across the nation as news of Tata’s passing spread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being,” acknowledging his leadership and deep commitment to societal improvement. In a heartfelt tweet, Modi stated, “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.”
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder of Biocon, shared a nostalgic picture of Tata, showcasing the personal impact he had on many lives. Google CEO Sundar Pichai credited Tata for “mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India,” adding that he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.
Ratan Tata was instrumental in various ventures, including founding Tata Teleservices in 1996 and taking Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004. He made headlines in 2009 by launching the Tata Nano, a car priced at ₹1 lakh, symbolising innovation and affordability. Under his leadership, the Tata Group acquired iconic British brands like Jaguar and Land Rover, marking a significant moment in corporate history.
After stepping down in 2012, Tata remained involved with Tata’s charitable trusts and continued to be a prominent public figure. His commitment to animal welfare was evident in efforts to ensure that the Tata Group’s headquarters, Bombay House, remained a sanctuary for stray dogs. *With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, he was the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
