India: National icon and chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 in Mumbai. The industrialist had a illustrious career spanning over 50 years, during which he led the over $100 billion conglomerate and left an indelible mark with his business acumen and commitment to social welfare.
Tata became the chairman of the diversified conglomerate in 1991 and served in the role for over two decades, guiding it through a phase of enormous global expansion. Under his visionary leadership, the salt-to-software giant ventured into new sectors like telecom and IT, acquiring global brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Tetley. He also played a pivotal role in the economic liberalization of India. Some of his most notable business feats include launching the IT giant TCS on the stock market and producing the ultra-low-cost ‘People’s Car’ Nano.
Even after retiring from executive responsibilities in 2012, Tata remained actively involved in the group as chairman emeritus and headed its philanthropic trusts. He was known for his compassionate nature and used his position to better society through various education and healthcare initiatives. Tributes poured in from across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalling Tata’s integrity and commitment towards building a stronger India. Industry leaders like Gautam Adani and Anand Mahindra mourned the loss of an inspirational figure who dedicated his life to excellence and empowering others.
Under Tata’s leadership, the conglomerate expanded to over 100 countries with over $103 billion in revenue in 2021. However, his contributions extended far beyond business – through his charitable trusts, he aimed to create a more just, equitable and kinder world. Ratan Tata’s inspiring journey exemplified how an entrepreneur can drive positive change and will continue inspiring business leaders for generations to come. He will be deeply missed across India and leaves behind a rich legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation and compassion.
