Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86
Ratan Tata, a prominent figure in Indian business and the former chairman of Tata Sons, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. He was instrumental in transforming the Tata Group into a global leader in various industries.
Early Life and Education
Ratan Naval Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, India. After his parents' divorce when he was just ten, he was raised by his grandmother. Ratan pursued higher education at Cornell University, where he earned a degree in architecture, and later attended Harvard Business School for a management program.
Career Highlights
Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, succeeding J.R.D. Tata. Under his leadership, the company grew immensely, acquiring well-known brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus. He guided the Tata Group's operations across more than 100 countries, achieving remarkable revenues of $165 billion by March 2024. Notably, he introduced India's first superapp and was key in establishing a semiconductor plant in the country.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Ratan Tata was dedicated to philanthropy, ensuring that over 65% of Tata Group's profits went to charitable causes. His commitment to social responsibility shone during crises, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when he supported employees financially despite hotel closures. His contributions to business and society earned him many awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Personal Life
Ratan Tata never married and had no children. His passing leaves a significant leadership void at the Tata Trusts, which own about 66% of Tata Sons.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in business and philanthropy.