From steering Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as the top information technology company to building it as a benchmark for the industry, Tata Sons' Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata left behind a remarkable legacy. He passed away at the age of 86 on October 9.
Top honchos of the IT and technology world have expressed grief, calling it a sad day.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates hailed Tata as a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on India and the world with his dedication to improve lives.
“I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity. Together, we partnered on numerous initiatives to help people lead healthier, more prosperous lives,” Gates, Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
He added, “His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and example he set will continue to inspire generations.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google reminisced his last meeting with Tata in a post on X. The two leaders had discussed the progress of Waymo, a driving technology company owned by Google in the meeting and Pichai found his vision inspiring.
"He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji," he said in his post.
Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy said losing a dear friend like Ratan is very painful. “Ratan was a role model for me in value-based leadership. He was indeed a moral compass whenever I had some ambiguity and confusion in ethical issues,” Murthy said in a statement to Moneycontrol.
In January 2020, in a memorable and iconic moment in Indian corporate history, a photo of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy touching Ratan Tata's feet went viral. Murthy presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Tata.
NR Narayana Murthy touched Ratan Tata’s feet during an event. (Image credit: Photo tweeted by @hvgoenka)
“He was concerned with the future of India and spent time with youngsters and entrepreneurs. Once I took my college-going daughter to him and he spent three hours with her answering every question of hers with patience, passion, concern and lucidity. May his soul rest in peace”, Murthy said about the Padma Vibhushan awardee.
Meanwhile, India’s second-largest IT company, Infosys, said it is deeply saddened by the loss of Ratan Tata. “A visionary leader who transformed industries and touched countless lives through his integrity, innovation and philanthropy. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” the company said in a statement.
HCLTech chief executive C Vijayakumar said the world has lost a true “visionary” and an “iconic leader”, who shaped numerous industries and most importantly an extraordinary human being, generous in kindness and spirit.
“As a visionary, he has steered India onto the global stage, as a leader, he has set and exceeded benchmarks in ethical business and governance and as an extraordinary human being, he has led a life with compassion, humility and integrity,” Vijayakumar said.
Wipro’s chairman Rishad Premji also echoed the same feelings. “Mr Tata’s loss will be deeply felt. An extraordinary man, he not only elevated India’s presence on the global stage, but also truly institutionalised philanthropy. We are a richer nation thanks to him, and poorer to have lost him. Go well, Mr Tata,” the son of the industrialist Azim Premji wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, which owns Tech Mahindra, said he’s unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. He said India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward and Tata’s mentorship and guidance at this point would have been invaluable.
“With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die,” Mahindra wrote on X.
"His life embodied passion and purpose, influencing not only businesses but also societies around him through his remarkable contributions. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward," said Mohit Joshi, CEO and MD of Tech Mahindra.
A mentor, guide and a friend
Tata meant something to everyone who had dreamed to innovate and make it big in India. One such person was Tata Sons’ current chairman and former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO N Chandrasekaran, who had been with the group for over four decades.
Back in 2008, Infosys had a market capitalisation of close to one-and-a-half times that of TCS. However, under the leadership of Chandrasekaran and subsequent executives, TCS has widened the gap significantly with its nearest rival, Infosys.
In his statement, Chandrasekaran called Tata a truly uncommon leader whose contributions had shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of the nation. He was Chandrasekaran’s mentor, guide and a friend too.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Chandrasekaran said.
Another IT industry leader, Happiest Minds' Executive Chairman, Ashok Soota, said he was struck by the humility and softness in Ratan Tata's speech; however, as a manager and a leader, he was a tough person. "Breaking up the hegemonies created by the CEOs of Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals was not an easy task."
Soota further said that Tata set the standards for corporate ethics; more so he was a tough-minded business leader and philanthropist. "He will be sorely missed but live on in our minds as a great role model," he added.
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