Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and an iconic industrialist who helped build one of India’s largest and most influential conglomerates, passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Thursday. He was 86.
He was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai for age-related ailments a few days ago, PTI reported earlier.
In a media statement, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran bid farewell to Ratan Tata and said that his contributions shaped the very fabric of India.
"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," Chandrasekaran said.
pic.twitter.com/QmtipQIovRTata Group (@TataCompanies) October 9, 2024
He said that the Tata Group expanded its global footprint under Ratan Tata's stewardship.
"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.
"Mr. 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," that Tata chairman said.
He said that Ratan Tata's legacy will continue to inspire the group as it strives to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.
Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of Indias oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Ratan Tata and called him a "visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being."
"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," the Prime Minister said.
He added that he found his perspectives very enriching during their countless interactions.
"My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," he said on X.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said that Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.
In an emotional statement, Mukesh Ambani said that he lost a dear friend in Ratan Tata. "Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied," he said.
"With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991," the RIL chairman said.
It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions withReliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) October 9, 2024
The Congress condoled the passing away of Ratan Tata, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi saying he was a man with a vision "who has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed sadness over Tata's death, saying that in his passing away "we have lost an invaluable son of India".
Industrialist Anand Mahindra said that Ratan Tata will not be forgotten since "legends never die."
I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.Indias economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.And Ratans life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTsanand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani said that India has lost a giant in Ratan Tata. "India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti," he said on X.
Billionaire Harsh Goenka called Ratan Tata the "titan", saying that he has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond.
"The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P," the RPG Group chairman said on X.
On October 7, Ratan Tata put out a statement that he was undergoing routine medical investigations related to his age and health concerns, adding that he was in good spirits and there was no cause for alarm.
Tata’s remarkable journey began when he took the reins of the diversified group, which spans industries from automobiles to steel, in 1991.
He founded Tata Teleservices in 1996 and guided Tata Consultancy Services through its public listing in 2004, marking a significant milestone for the company.
After stepping down in 2012, he was honoured with the title of chairman emeritus for various Tata companies, including Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals, solidifying his legacy as a titan of Indian industry.
In 2008, he was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in India. He received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, in 2000.
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