PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 10: Veteran industrialist and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata died at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital late on Wednesday night.
He was 86 and died of prolonged illness.
Ratan Tata, who ran the conglomerate for more than 20 years as chairman, had been undergoing intensive care at the Mumbai hospital since Monday.
Tata Sons chairman expresses grief
The Tata Group confirmed the news and announced in a statement late on Wednesday night.
“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. For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass. Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction. On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed, ” said N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons in a statement issued soon after the death of the veteran industrialist and national icon.
PM Modi pays tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ratan Tata, calling him a visionary business leader, compassionate soul, and extraordinary human being.
“Ratan Tata endeared himself to people, thanks to his humility, kindness, unwavering commitment to making society better. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
President Murmu offers condolences
President Droupadi Murmu too condoled the death of the industry titan.
“In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe, ” she said in a post on X.
Jamshedpur leaders condole Ratan Tata’s demise
The death of Ratan Tata came as a shock to Jamshedpur, the industrial town set up by the Tatas.
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the first city-based outfit to issue a condolence message soon after Ratan Tata’s death.
President of the trade body Vijay Anand Moonka expressed his condolence on the demise of the former Tata group chairman.
“Demise of Ratan Tata is an irreparable loss for the country as well as Jamshedpur. He was like a diamond for the industrial world. Ratan Tata Ji had come to the Chamber Bhavan and his memories are still guiding the Chamber family. His demise has left a void on the business map of the entire world, ” said Moonka in his condolence message issued past midnight.
Vipin Sharma, former principal of Vidya Bharti Chinmaya Vidyalaya said, “Just got to know the shocking news of the sad demise of Sir Ratan Tata A man of principles, incarnation of simplicity with humility, a man of ethics, a farsightedness personality, a good samaritan and we will fall short of words to talk of such tall personality. A big loss to all , especially to Tata Group and the nation. We pray that the divine soul rests in peace in heaven.”
Noted philanthropist and former BJP state spokesperson Amarpreet Singh Khanuja Kale described Ratan Tata as a legend.
“Ratan Tata was one of the most beloved gem of Mother India. His legacy is inimitable. Role model for current and future generations. As being someone who was born and brought up in Jamshedpur with three generations associated with the Tata industries there we always felt like an extended family. This loss is personal for Jamshedpurians wherever you are as you carry a part of Tata deep in you, ” said Kale condoling the death of the veteran industrialist.
Know Ratan Tata
Notably, in 2008, Ratan Tata had received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in India, after receiving the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in 2000.
He joined Tata in 1961, where he worked on the shop floor of Tata Steel.
He later succeeded J R D Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon the latter’s retirement in 1991.
Under his tenure, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Corus, in an attempt to turn Tata from a largely India-centric group into a global business.
Tata is also one of the largest philanthropists in the world, having donated around 60–65 % of his income to charity.
