**Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Passes Away at 86**
Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. Just days before his death, Tata addressed health speculations on social media, clarifying that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups related to his age.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed the news in a late-night statement, honoring Tata’s extraordinary dedication to excellence, integrity, and innovation. “With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a remarkable leader whose contributions have profoundly influenced the Tata Group and our nation,” Chandrasekaran remarked.
Chandrasekaran further emphasized Tata’s role, stating, “Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson for the Tata Group. He was a mentor, guide, and friend. His unwavering commitment to excellence and ethical principles allowed the Tata Group to expand globally while staying true to its core values.”
**Tributes Pour in for Ratan Tata: Anand Mahindra, Mukesh Ambani, and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Reflect on His Legacy**
Industrialist Anand Mahindra expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Ratan Tata, stating, “I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.” He emphasized the critical role Tata played in shaping India’s economy, especially at a pivotal moment in its growth. Mahindra noted that Tata’s mentorship and guidance would have been invaluable, highlighting that Tata viewed financial success as a means to serve the global community.
Mukesh Ambani also paid tribute, calling Ratan Tata one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted figures. “It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing is a significant loss, not just for the Tata Group but for every Indian,” Ambani shared in his condolence message. He added that losing Tata has filled him with immense grief, as he considered him a dear friend whose character and values inspired many.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder of Biocon Limited, shared a nostalgic throwback photo of Tata on Twitter, honoring his lasting impact and legacy in India.
“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,” Mr Pichai posted on X.
Ratan Tata became chairman of the $100 billion steel-to-software conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012.
He founded telecommunications company Tata Teleservices in 1996 and took IT company Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004.
In a role reversal in 2004, Tata Group, an Indian company, having acquired iconic British car brands – Jaguar and Land Rover – found itself cast as reverse colonialists.
In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to make the world’s cheapest car accessible to the middle class. The Tata Nano, priced at ₹ 1 lakh, became a symbol of innovation and affordability.
Mr Tata was twice the Chairperson of the Tata Group conglomerate, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. Although he stepped back from the company’s day-to-day running, he continued to head its charitable trusts.
Cyrus Mistry, who succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons but was later ousted in India’s most high-profile boardroom coup, died in a car crash in 2022. The bitter feud between the two remained unsolved.
After stepping down, Ratan Tata became chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals.
Long after retirement, Mr Tata remained a popular figure on social media, with heartfelt posts about animal rights (particularly dogs) and appeals to Indian citizens.
Carrying on a tradition dating back to the time of Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata ensured that Bombay House, the Tata group’s headquarters, remained a haven for stray dogs.
With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, he was the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
Early Life of Ratan Tata
Born in 1937, Ratan Tata was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, after his parents separated in 1948.
He studied architecture at Cornell University, and followed it up with a management course at Harvard.