Veteran industrialist and former Tata Group chairman emeritus, Ratan Tata, passed away at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, marking the end of an era in Indian business. Ratan Tata had been a towering figure in Indian industry, known for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse. His death comes after several days of hospitalization due to ongoing health issues. N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed his passing.
• Ratan Tata's impact on Indian business is enormous. Born on December 28, 1937, he belonged to the illustrious Tata family, which has long been synonymous with philanthropy, ethical business practices, and national progress. As the great-grandson of the group’s founder, Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata took over as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. His tenure marked the beginning of the Tata Group's global expansion and diversification into industries ranging from automotive to technology.
• During his leadership, Ratan Tata spearheaded several landmark acquisitions, such as the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 and Corus Steel in 2007, both of which catapulted the Tata Group into the global business arena. His most iconic achievement within India was the launch of the Tata Nano, a compact and affordable car aimed at making vehicle ownership accessible to the average Indian. The Nano became a symbol of Ratan Tata’s vision to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people.
• In recognition of his contributions to Indian industry and society, Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, two of India’s highest civilian honors. His leadership was defined not just by business success but by a deep commitment to philanthropy, innovation, and ethical practices. Under his guidance, Tata Group’s charitable trusts, which own two-thirds of Tata Sons, continued to support initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, and the arts, embodying the Tata legacy of giving back to society.
• The news of his death elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences and described Tata as a visionary leader, a kind soul and an extraordinary human being. Modi highlighted how Tata’s work had a profound impact on shaping modern India’s business landscape and economy.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Ratan Tata would be accorded a state funeral, an honor that reflects the magnitude of his contributions to the nation. Shinde also informed the public that Tata’s mortal remains would be placed at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in South Mumbai from 10 AM to 4 PM on Thursday So that the public gets an opportunity to express their respect.
• Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, expressed his personal grief, saying that it was difficult to imagine India’s future without Ratan Tata. Mahindra credited Tata with laying the foundations for India’s economic progress, particularly through his vision of global expansion and commitment to innovation.
• Ratan Tata’s personal net worth is not as vast as many other billionaires, largely because of Tata Group’s unique ownership structure. Around 66% of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, is owned by charitable trusts. While estimates of his individual net worth vary, it is generally believed to be in the hundreds of millions, rather than billions, as is typical for many business magnates of his stature. However, the total valuation of companies under the Tata Group is immense, with a combined market capitalization of over $300 billion.
• Ratan Tata's legacy is that of a transformative business leader, but also of a man who believed deeply in using business as a force for good. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on both the business community and Indian society as a whole. His passing leaves a void in the nation’s corporate and philanthropic worlds, but his vision and values will continue to inspire future generations.
