Padma Vibhushan and Legendary Indian industrialist Ratan Tata passed away, late on Wednesday evening (9th October). He was 86 years of age and had been battling prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital.
Born on 28th December 1937, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata who was the founder of the Tata Group. He graduated from Cornell University in 1962 and soon joined his family business. He played a major role in the Indian industry as under his leadership, he transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.
He took over the reign of Tata group in 1991 when it was going through a challenging period and it had revenues in the tune of 5.8 billion USD. The group explained its scale and scope under his leadership and it reached revenues of nearly USD 85 billion by 2011.
During his tenure, he made strategic acquisitions of international companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel. The visionary industrialist went on to establish Tata Group as a prominent player in the steel, automobiles, telecommunications, and information technology sectors. He also put his weight behind economic liberalisation.
He played a pivotal role in globalising Tata Group. He also fulfilled his dream of launching the world’s cheapest car, the Nano.
In December 2012, The Tata Sons bestowed the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus on him when he retired.
Over the decades, he has been bestowed with numerous awards. These include India’s second-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan and the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Condolences pour in for the Titan Ratan Tata, PM Modi says ‘Extremely pained’
Remembering the Indian ‘Ratan’, PM Modi wrote, “Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
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… pic.twitter.com/feBhAFUIom
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
After the shocking news of his passing away, social media has been flooded with condolence messages for India’s Ratan. Multiple Hashtags including RIP Ratan Tata are echoing on X and sportspersons, politicians and Industrialists have also remembered the great man.
I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.
India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.
And Ratan’s 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/ujJC2ehTTs
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024
Industrialist Anand Mahindra wrote, “I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata….Om Shanti”.
