Ratan Tata, industrialist and philanthropist who gave wings to conglomerate's global expansion dreams

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata and Soonoo Tata.

Ratan Naval Tata, the industrialist and philanthropist who transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate and became a symbol of Indian business success, passed away in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. He was 86.

The Tata Group announced his death in a statement on October 9. The former Tata Sons chairman was hospitalised in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 7 for medical check-ups for age-related conditions.

India Inc paid its tributes to the towering industrialist remembering his contribution to India's economy and global stature. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy described him as a role model. Anand Mahindra posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he is unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. Google's Sundar Pichai remembered his profound impact on business and philanthropy in a tweet.

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata was the son of Naval Tata and Soonoo Tata.

After completing his studies at Cornell University, Ratan Tata joined the Tata Group. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks, eventually assuming the chairmanship of Tata Sons in March 1991.

Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group went global. He oversaw the acquisition of iconic brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, expanding the group’s global footprint.

Ratan Tata also capitalised on opportunities arising from India’s liberalisation. He strengthened the group’s foundations, navigated challenges, and expanded the group’s global presence. Under his leadership, Tata became a more cohesive, innovative, and risk-taking entity, achieving extraordinary success, according to the Tata Sons Ltd website.

Despite the initial scepticism, Tata proved his detractors wrong and cemented the Tata Group’s position as a global powerhouse, securing his place in India’s business landscape. Following JRD Tata’s passing in 1993, Ratan Tata faced numerous challenges as he tried to establish his control over the group, yet it was his gracious response to criticism that everyone appreciated.

In 2008, Ratan Tata launched the Tata Nano, positioned as the world’s most affordable car, reflecting his vision to make mobility accessible to common man.

Despite retiring as Tata Group chairman in 2012, he continued to be involved with the group as the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons. After his retirement, he also took a keen interest in investing in startups, showing his continued support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

He was also a dedicated philanthropist. Under his guidance, Tata Trusts funded numerous charitable initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development. His philanthropic activities touched the lives of millions of people in India.

Never married, Ratan Tata’s passion was about architecture, cars, and flying planes. He was famously known in the business circles for his simplicity and modesty, epitomising integrity, vision, and social responsibility.

Ratan Tata received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, the nation’s second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to trade and industry. Tata was known for his extensive philanthropic activities, and a large part of his personal wealth was donated through charitable trusts focused on education, healthcare, and rural development.