Tributes poured in from industry leaders, politicians, and the public following the passing of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons in India, at the age of 86. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Tata as a visionary business leader and compassionate human being, with a contribution that extended beyond the business realm. Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted Tata’s philanthropic legacy and role in mentoring modern business leadership in India, while also noting Tata’s involvement in global acquisitions such as Jaguar-Land Rover.
Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Group, India’s richest person, described Tata’s passing as a significant loss for India as a whole, crediting Tata with advancing the country internationally while maintaining a commitment to bringing the best of the world to India. Tata, who held an architecture degree and joined Tata Group in 1962, was known for his philanthropic work as chairman of Tata Trusts, one of India’s largest charity organizations. N. Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, praised Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and his role in expanding the global footprint of the Tata Group through numerous acquisitions.
Gautam Adani of Adani Group labeled Tata as a giant and visionary who reshaped modern India’s trajectory with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, expressed sorrow over Tata’s death during a promising period for the Indian economy, attributing India’s position for growth to Tata’s contributions. Mahindra emphasized Tata’s focus on utilizing financial wealth for the benefit of the global community, marking his business approach as a service to society.
The chief minister of Maharashtra announced that Tata would receive a state funeral, a rare honor typically reserved for high-ranking government officials, referring to Tata as an invaluable gem. Tata served as chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012, overseeing significant revenue growth exceeding $100 billion during his tenure. His legacy is characterized by a commitment to philanthropy, mentorship of business leaders, and expansion of the Tata Group’s global presence through strategic acquisitions.
Overall, Ratan Tata’s passing was met with deep respect and gratitude for his immense contributions to business, philanthropy, and society at large. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on the Indian business landscape and beyond. As the country mourns the loss of a visionary leader, Tata’s legacy of compassion, mentorship, and service is poised to inspire future generations to continue his work towards a better, more inclusive world.
