Ratan Tata passes away at 86: Interesting facts about the celebrated industrialist

Industrialist Ratan Tata

Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata passed away at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday night. The chairman emeritus of the Tata group was 86.

His legacy of ethical leadership, innovative business practices, and extensive philanthropic endeavors will continue to inspire generations to come.

Here are a few facts about the industrialist:

1.Ratan Tata, a prominent figure in Indian business, was born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay. He hailed from the illustrious Tata family, one of India’s most iconic business families. His parents' separation when he was only 10 years old led him to be raised by his grandmother.

2. Ratan Tata earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University. He subsequently expanded his knowledge base by completing a management program at Harvard Business School.

3. Ratan Tata's career with the Tata Group began in 1961, where he started at the entry level. His early experiences included working on the shop floor of Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. He later transitioned to a role as an assistant at Tata Industries.

4. Ratan Tata assumed the role of Chairman of the Tata Group in 1991. During his tenure, the conglomerate experienced a remarkable transformation, expanding its operations into global markets and diversifying across a wide range of industries.

5. His bold and visionary approach to business led him to acquire global companies like Tetley (UK), Corus (UK), and Jaguar Land Rover (UK), cementing the Tata Group's reputation as a major player in the international market.

6. Ratan Tata's bold venture into the telecom sector in 1996 with Tata Teleservices showcased his ability to identify emerging opportunities.

7. A significant milestone in India's automotive history, the Tata Indica, was launched by Tata Motors in 1998 under the leadership of Ratan Tata. This indigenously designed passenger car marked a breakthrough for the Indian automotive industry.

8. Tata Sons' acquisition of VSNL in 2002 marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for Tata Communications.

9. Ratan Tata's dream of providing car for the masses was realised in 2008 with the launch of the Tata Nano. Priced at a remarkable Rs 1 lakh, this engineering marvel represented a significant step towards making cars accessible to Indian families.

10. In 2012, Tata Global Beverages joined forces with Starbucks, a global coffee giant, forming a powerful alliance that expanded the company's reach in the coffee market.

11. Ratan Tata's commitment to social welfare was evident in his philanthropic efforts. He directed a substantial portion of the Tata Group's profits, around 65%, towards charitable trusts focused on education, healthcare, and rural development.

12. Ratan Tata retired as Chairman of Tata Sons in December 2012, but his commitment to the group and his philanthropic endeavors remained unwavering. He continued to actively guide the Tata Group in various capacities.

13. Tata's contributions to both the business world and society at large were celebrated with a multitude of awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, two of India's highest civilian honors.