Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9, 2024 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.
Just on Monday, the industrialist dismissed speculation surrounding his health and asserted that he was undergoing routine medical investigations due to his age.
N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, announced Mr. Tata’s death on Wednesday, hailing his commitment to excellence and integrity.
“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.” The statement wrote.
“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.” It added.
Ratan Tata was taken to Breach Candy Hospital in the early hours on Monday after his blood pressure dropped significantly. However, there are no official confirmations about the time or circumstances surrounding his final hours.
As news broke of his passing, tributes poured in from several prominent personalities across India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter).
“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business legooader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. 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,” the Prime Minister wrote in a series of tweets along with pictures.
Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. 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… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani wrote: It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.”
“At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend,” he said, emphasizing how interactions with him “enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.”
Gautam Adani likewise hailed his exceptional life trajectory.
“India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti,” Mr. Adani wrote.
India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mANuvwX8wV
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 9, 2024
Born to the Tata family on December 28th, 1937, Ratan Naval Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University, later attending a management program at Harvard Business School.
Widely admired for his visionary leadership, his 22-year tenure as Chairman saw Tata Group evolve from an Indian-centric business to a global powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and international expansion. Beyond his Tata leadership, he also held positions on advisory boards for companies, such as JP Morgan Chase and Mitsubishi Corporation.
With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, Ratan Tata was also the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
The late Mr. Tata was also admired as a beacon of philanthropy, renowned for the JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education, the Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata, and his significant contributions to the healthcare industry in India, particularly through the Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata. Continuing the tradition dating back to the time of Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata also ensured that Bombay House, the Tata group’s headquarters, remained a haven for stray dogs.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde proposed for Bharat Ratna to be posthumously awarded to him. This has been approved at the state level and will be sent to the Central government.
The Maharashtra government has also declared that Ratan Tata will be accorded a state funeral and declared a day of mourning in the state. Talking to reporters, Shinde said that Tata’s relatives have been informed that his mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay respect.
Describing Tata as the pride of India, Shinde said he will always be an inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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