Mumbai: Ratan Tata, the esteemed chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and a revered figure in Indian industry, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86, as announced by the Tata Group.
Tata was hospitalized at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital earlier in the day for treatment, but his condition quickly deteriorated, leading to a critical state. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed deep sorrow in a statement, saying, “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to 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 described Tata as more than just a chairperson, noting his role as a mentor and friend. He praised Tata’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, which helped the Tata Group expand globally while maintaining its moral compass.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Tata, calling him a “visionary business leader” and “extraordinary human being.” In a post on X, Modi highlighted Tata’s stable leadership of one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses.
Earlier in the day, Ratan Tata had reassured the public via social media that he was in good spirits and there was no cause for alarm.
A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000, Tata took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, guiding the conglomerate founded by his great-grandfather for over two decades until his retirement in 2012. He was instrumental in launching Tata Teleservices in 1996 and oversaw the public listing of Tata Consultancy Services in 2004.
Post-retirement, Tata was honored with the title of chairman emeritus for various Tata companies, including Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals. His legacy as a leader and philanthropist will be remembered for generations to come.
