Indian business legend Ratan Tata passes away at 86
Ratan Tata, the visionary former chairman of Tata Group, has died at the age of 86, the conglomerate announced in a statement late Wednesday. Tata had been receiving intensive care in a Mumbai hospital, according to sources familiar with his medical condition.
“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 company said.
Ratan Tata “was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media platform X. “Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour.”
During his over 20-year tenure as chairman, Tata transformed the staid Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse through strategic acquisitions. His remarkable career spanned more than five decades, beginning in 1962 when he joined the family business founded by his great-grandfather.
After graduating with an architecture degree from Cornell University, Tata worked across various Tata companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. He made a significant impact at National Radio & Electronics Company, turning losses into profits and expanding market share.
Tata’s leadership and legacy have left an indelible mark on Indian industry and beyond. His passing marks the end of an era for the Tata Group and the business community.
