Ratan Tata chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected industrialists, passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai on Wednesday. The news comes just days after Tata had assured his followers in a social media post that he was undergoing routine medical checks. His death marks the end of an era for India’s business and philanthropic communities.
In a heartfelt statement, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran paid tribute to his mentor and friend: “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.” Chandrasekaran highlighted Tata’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, noting that his guidance had helped the Tata Group expand globally while adhering to its strong moral values.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in tributes, calling Ratan Tata “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Modi praised Tata’s role in not only transforming one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses but also for his deep commitment to making society better through humility and kindness.
Business leaders from across the globe also expressed their grief. Gautam Adani called Tata a “giant” whose legacy would live on, while Anand Mahindra expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “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.” Mukesh Ambani, mourning the loss of his dear friend, remembered Tata as one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted sons.
Ratan Tata, who helmed the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012 and briefly again in 2016, oversaw monumental shifts in the conglomerate, taking it to global heights with acquisitions such as Corus and Jaguar Land Rover. He was also widely respected for his philanthropic work, from education to healthcare, leaving a lasting mark on future generations.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Tata’s last rites would be performed with full state honors and declared Thursday a day of mourning in the state. Tata’s body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, allowing people to pay their final respects.
As India says farewell to one of its most beloved industrialists, Ratan Tata’s legacy will be remembered not only for his business acumen but for the values of compassion, ethics, and integrity that he championed throughout his life.
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