Almost everyone in the world has heard of Tata. For the best of us, the name has become nearly synonymous with India’s automotive industry. Ratan Tata, who passed away at 86, was the force and life behind the name and global brand.
Ratan Tata was famously known for steering Tata Group (and later Tata Sons) into one of India’s most revered brands. He served as the group’s chair and decision-man for well over two decades, bringing the likes of the UK’s Jaguar Land Rover and South Korea’s Daewoo to the Tata fold.
His death has certainly been felt across the board, but especially in Indian industry and global business. He leaves a legacy dotted with modest dignity, bold decisions, and big thinking.
The final farewell to a man of modest dignity
Ratan Tata died on October 9, 2024, at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition since October 7. The news of his passing was confirmed in a tribute statement by Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from around the world. Leaders in business (including Tesla’s Elon Musk), politics, and philanthropy paid their tributes to the late Mr Tata.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tata was a “proud son of India.” He said he was “a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti: “India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai: “He deeply cared about making India better and was instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India.”
Business leaders, politicians, and celebrities gathered in Mumbai to pay their last respects. The governments of Maharashtra and Jharkhand announced a whole day of mourning. Tata’s body was draped in the Indian national flag at a cultural center before receiving a state funeral.
Early life and education
Ratan Naval Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay (now Mumbai) during the British Raj. He came from a distinguished Parsi family that had already made a name for itself in the Indian industry. He was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, and grew up under the guidance of his grandmother, Navajbai Tata after his parents separated when he was young.
Ratan started his schooling at the Campion School in Mumbai. From grade 8 through high school graduation in 1955, he studied at various institutions, including Cathedral and John Connon School (Mumbai) and Riverdale Country School in New York.
Mr Tata was an alumnus of Cornell University, from where he graduated with an architecture degree in 1962. He spent seven years studying architecture, engineering, and flying at his alma mater. He later donated $50 million to Cornell, one of the university’s single-largest donations by an international alum.
The Tata Group under Ratan’s leadership
Ratan Tata kicked off his spell at Tata Group in 1961 when he joined Tata Steel, working on the shop floor. His early years were dotted with challenges, including a stint at the struggling National Radio and Electronics (NELCO). It was at NELCO that Ratan showed that he could turn around businesses. However, it was in 1991 when J.R.D. Tata stepped down as chairman of Tata Sons, and his true impact on the group began to unfold.
Tata Group made some of the boldest expansion moves during Ratan Tata’s tenure. As the group chairman, he didn’t compromise. Like a big-spending yet savvy player who only goes for high-roller casino bonuses and exclusive perks, he went for multi-billion acquisitions that other Indian companies couldn’t dare. He signed off on the $2.3-billion purchase of UK car maker Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 and the $12-billion takeover of the British-Dutch steel giant Corus. These audacious moves transformed Tata from a predominantly Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse, with operations spanning continents and industries.
Under Tata’s leadership, the group’s revenues grew over 40 times, and profits over 50-fold. He shifted the group’s focus from primarily commodity sales to building strong brands, with most sales coming from branded products by the end of his tenure. He positioned Tata Group as a global player, with over 65% of revenues coming from international operations.
Philanthropy and social responsibility
Ratan Tata’s influence and impact were felt far beyond the boardroom. He was a passionate philanthropist who supported causes in education, healthcare, and rural development. Under his guidance, the Tata Trusts became one of India’s largest philanthropic organizations.
Just look at his charity honor sheet:
A $50 million donation to Harvard Business School for the construction of Tata Hall
Establishment of the Tata Center for Technology and Design at MIT and IIT Bombay
Plenty of donations to Cornell University, including a $50 million endowment
Support for cancer care initiatives in Assam, earning him the ‘Assam Baibhav’ award
Personal life and character
For a man worth over $100 billion, Ratan didn’t let his wealth and influence go to his head. In fact, he was known for his modesty and down-to-earth living. He never married, dedicating his life to his work and philanthropic pursuits.
Tata was an avid animal lover, particularly fond of dogs, and often drove himself around Mumbai in a Tata Nano. His passion for aviation was well-known; Tata was a trained pilot who occasionally flew the company jet.
Wrapping up: A legacy that burns beyond India
Ratan Tata’s legacy deserves a book if not a whole volume. He put Tata Group (and India) on the global map. Not to be belittled, he almost single-handedly set new standards for Indian businesses on the world stage. He brought to life ethical business practices, modest dignity, and even CSR ethos.
Tata was known beyond business. He served on various boards and councils, including the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade and Industry and the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council. We cannot forget his advisory roles at Cornell University and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
