Ratan Tata, the visionary chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86, the Tata Group announced on Wednesday. Tata, who led the conglomerate for over two decades, had been receiving intensive care in a Mumbai hospital since Monday.
In a heartfelt statement, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said, "With deep sorrow, we say goodbye to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, an exceptional leader whose boundless contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but the very essence of our nation."
Earlier in the week, Ratan Tata had addressed public concerns about his health, stating in a social media post that he was undergoing routine medical checks due to his age.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Tata, lauding him as a visionary business leader with a compassionate heart. “Ratan Tata’s humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improving society made him a beloved figure,” PM Modi shared in a message on X (formerly Twitter).
After earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University, Ratan Tata returned to India in 1962 to begin his career in the family business, founded by his great-grandfather nearly a century prior. He worked across several Tata companies, including Telco (now Tata Motors) and Tata Steel, and left his mark by revitalizing National Radio & Electronics Company, turning losses into gains and increasing market share.
In 1991, he succeeded his uncle, J.R.D. Tata, as chairman, just as India was opening its economy to the world, paving the way for rapid growth. Under his leadership, the Tata Group achieved numerous milestones, including the launch of the Tata Nano, the world’s most affordable car, and the expansion of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) into a global IT powerhouse.
Although he stepped down as chairman in 2012, Ratan Tata remained actively involved as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and other group companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. He briefly returned as interim chairman in 2016 during a leadership transition within the company.
Ratan Tata's legacy is defined not only by his business acumen but also by his commitment to social welfare and his ability to connect with people on a personal level. His passing marks the end of an era for one of India’s most iconic industrialists.