Pride of the Nation, ‘Titan’ of Indian business and Philanthropist Ratan Tata no more

India lost one of its most precious jewels on the 9th of October, 2024 as iconic industrialist, philanthropist and pride of the nation Shri Ratan Tata breathed his last. Ratan Naval Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 86.

The ‘living legend’ of Indian business was battling age-related illness for quite some time. He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai with blood pressure and other age-related issues.

Announcing the news of his demise, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran shared a statement saying the business leader who was his mentor, guide and friend, shaped not only the Tata Group but the very fabric of the nation. The statements reads:

“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.

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.

Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction.

On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.”

Ratan Tata to be accorded State Funeral announces CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Ratan Tata’s family at the hospital after his demise late on Wednesday. The CM has announced that the late industrialist will be accorded State Funeral.

Taking to social media, the Chief Minister posted, “The precious gem of the country is lost.

Ratanji Tata was a unique and ideal amalgamation of ethics and entrepreneurship. Ratanji Tata was a living legend who successfully took over the reins of the Tata Group, which has a tradition of excellence and integrity of nearly 150 years. The decision making ability and mental strength that he displayed from time to time, took the Tata Group to different industrial heights. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him.”

“Ratanji Tata was the pride of India, he will always remain a role model for the coming generation of entrepreneurs.

Ratanji Tata acquired many international companies with great efficiency and expanded his business in India and abroad. He also moved ahead strongly in the new field of information technology. He expanded the group rapidly while maintaining the credibility of the Tata Group. With his impeccable decision-making ability, he filled the Tata Group companies with unprecedented enthusiasm. He maintained the ethics and maintained the Tata family ideology and tradition towards the development of the industry as well as the country and society.

Ratanji Tata’s industrial leap was like piercing the sky. He was always ahead in encouraging the experimentation and achievement of the youth of the country. In 1991, Ratanji Tata became the chairman of the Tata Group. During his tenure, the Tata Group expanded on a large scale. He made Telco (later Tata Motors) a leading company in the car manufacturing sector and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) a leading company in the field of information technology. Along with this, he took many companies like Tata Chemicals, Tata Tea, Tata Steel to the pinnacle of success. In 2012, he retired as the Chairman of Tata Group. But even after that he was guiding various industries.

Everyone will always remember the determination shown by him after the 2008 Mumbai attack. His firm decisions, courageous attitude and social commitment will always be remembered.
The last rites of late Ratanji Tata will be performed with full state honours,” the CM posted on social media.