Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the diversified Tata Group and a towering figure in Indian business, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday, October 9. Born on December 28, 1937, in Navsari, Gujarat, Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, and steered the conglomerate to unprecedented heights.
Tata took the reins of the Tata Group in 1991, coinciding with a period of economic liberalisation in India. Over his two-decade-long leadership, he oversaw the diversification and expansion of the group into sectors such as IT, steel, automobiles, and hospitality. The introduction of the Tata Nano in 2008, aimed at providing affordable cars for the masses, stands out as one of his signature accomplishments. Under his guidance, the Tata Group also made key global acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.
Beyond his business acumen, Ratan Tata was known for his philanthropic vision. Through the Tata Trusts, which control a majority of Tata Group shares, he contributed significantly to healthcare, education, and rural development. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004 for his contributions to Indian industry.
Tata also championed startups and entrepreneurship, investing in young innovators and fostering a spirit of innovation in India through ventures like Tata Capital and Tata Start-up Hub.
He leaves behind a profound legacy of business leadership, global expansion, and a deep commitment to societal betterment, having reportedly donated 60–65% of his income to charitable causes.
