On October 9, India mourned the loss of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group and Tata Sons. The 86-year-old industrialist died at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Following his death, tributes from political leaders, the Indian business community, and famed stars came flooding in, remembering Tata’s path-breaking vision that transformed India’s business landscape.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the tycoon on X. Prime Minister Modi recounted “countless interactions” with Tata, whom he believed to be a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Prime Minister Modi expressed being “extremely pained” by his death. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi echoed similar sentiments towards Tata, spotlighting his “lasting mark on both business and philanthropy” in India.
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
While Tata made headlines for his countless contributions to India’s business community, it was his amicable nature and modesty that won the hearts of millions of Indians globally. Google CEO Sundar Pichai remembered Tata’s “extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy” and described him as an “instrumental mentor in developing modern business leadership in India.” Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, by the federal government in 2008.
My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply…
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024
Under the leadership of Tata, the Indian conglomerate forged a global standing with several high-profile acquisitions. The modest tycoon believed in India’s potential to become a global superpower. He invested heavily in the nation’s flourishing startup sector, backing Indian homegrown names like Paytm, Ola Electric, a unit of ride-hailing firm Ola, and home and beauty services provider Urban Company.
Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, mourned the loss of a “dear friend” in a statement. Indian billionaire Gautam Adani also paid tribute to the “visionary who defined modern India’s path” in a social media post. Motor industry tycoon Anand Mahindra remembered Tata as “a businessman for whom financial wealth and success were most useful when they were put to the service of the global community.”.
I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.
India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.
And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.… pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTs
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024
Tata, a licensed pilot who occasionally flew the company plane, never married and was recognized for his reserved nature, modest lifestyle, and philanthropic efforts. Approximately two-thirds of the share capital of Tata Sons, the group’s holding company, is owned by philanthropic trusts. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared October 10 a day of mourning for Tata. The 86-year-old businessman lived in Mumbai city, where Tata Sons also has its headquarters.
