The former chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata, passed away on Wednesday night. As per a source quoted by Chairman of Tata Sons N Chandrasekaran, he was a friend, a mentor, and a guide. However, the cause of death cannot be ascertained.
Tata was admitted earlier this week to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he put the public mind at rest as issues were related to age-related medical conditions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Tata, referring to him as a visionary leader who gave stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most respected business houses. Modi spoke about Tata’s humility, kindness and dedication towards societal betterment through philanthropy.
Harsh Goenka, India’s well-known industrialist, says Tata was a “titan” who made enormous contributions to business and philanthropic fields. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, mentioned Tata’s efforts to incubate modern business leadership in the country. He still cherishes the moment he was inspired to seek greater technological applications at Google after talking with Tata.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said that this is a big loss not only for the Tata Group but to the entire nation. It is an exemplary legacy. I, for myself, would definitely learn from it,” said Mahindra, and Mahindra’s chairman and managing director, Anand Mahindra, while hailing the legacy.
Tata won a number of the most elite awards during his very illustrious career where he was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2000 and Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Under his management, the Tata Group grew into nearly 100 companies, with one being an automotive major and another a steel major. Still, the people may see Tata Nano as one entity, but it has been quite something in many ways. This was termed the “people’s car,” and Tata launched it in 2009, and he said that he hoped to give affordable transportation to millions.
Tata graduated from Cornell University and joined the Tata Group in 1961, succeeded JRD Tata as chairman in 1991. His tenure witnessed key economic reforms in India. The Tata Group has taken an interlude return from retirement, and their interim chairman in 2016 retired for the second time in 2017.
