New Delhi, December 28 (ANI): India on Sunday remembered its son, late Ratan Tata, on his 88th birth anniversary, paying tribute to the legendary industrialist and philanthropist whose life and values left an indelible mark on the nation.
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran paid his respects to Ratan Tata at Bombay House by garlanding the statue of the former chairman of the Tata Group.
Ratan Tata believed that true philanthropy was never personal and that leadership carried the responsibility of transforming influence into positive change. Reflecting on his legacy, Tata Trusts said that under his guidance, philanthropy evolved from charity into a strategic, results-driven approach addressing healthcare, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and other areas, with a strong focus on long-term transformation and community resilience.
Tata Trusts noted that his vision recognized that meaningful progress requires more than addressing socio-economic gaps alone. It emphasized the importance of collaboration between innovation, supportive technology, and a deep understanding of local needs to ensure solutions are thoughtful, scalable, and reach those who need them most. The trust said the values he stood for continue to guide and shape its collective purpose.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Ratan Tata on his birth anniversary, saying he reshaped Indian enterprise with integrity and compassion. Shah said that from building indigenous industry to selfless philanthropy, Tata demonstrated that true success lies in service to the nation, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire a self-reliant India.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remembered Ratan Tata as a great visionary who built not just enterprises but also trust, compassion, and faith in Indian excellence on the global stage. He said Tata’s humility and vision remain a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs and citizens.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described Ratan Tata as a visionary industrialist and compassionate leader who devoted his life to business excellence and philanthropy. He said Tata’s integrity, humility, and commitment to society would continue to inspire generations.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also paid homage, calling Ratan Tata a titan of India Inc. who redefined India’s industrial and business landscape through ethical and compassionate leadership.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said Ratan Tata’s leadership seamlessly blended innovation with compassion, redefining the role of Indian enterprise in national development. He added that the institutions Tata nurtured and the values he championed continue to guide generations.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Ratan Tata’s life of integrity, humility, and compassion, coupled with his extraordinary commitment to philanthropy and nation-building, set a benchmark for ethical leadership.
Ratan Tata played a pivotal role in transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse with interests spanning steel, automobiles, software, and telecommunications. Early in his career, he worked with several Tata companies, including Tata Motors, formerly Telco, and Tata Steel, and revitalized the National Radio and Electronics Company.
In 1991, he succeeded J.R.D. Tata as chairman of the Tata Group and introduced significant organizational reforms, including enforcing retirement ages and promoting younger talent to leadership roles. Under his leadership, Tata Consultancy Services was listed in 2004, capitalizing on the IT boom, while Tata Teleservices was set up in 1996.
His tenure saw major international acquisitions, including Tetley Tea in 2000, VSNL in 2002, Corus Steel in 2007, and Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008. He also played a key role in the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022 and launched the Tata Nano, a low-cost car aimed at making personal mobility more accessible.
After stepping down from active leadership, Ratan Tata emerged as a prominent investor in Indian startups, backing companies such as Paytm, Ola Electric, and Urban Company.
Ratan Naval Tata graduated in architecture from Cornell University and joined the Tata Group in 1962, which was founded by his great-grandfather, Jamsetji Tata. A licensed pilot, he was known for his quiet demeanor, modest lifestyle, and deep commitment to philanthropy.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. He also received numerous national and international honors, including the Assam Baibhav in 2021, Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in 2023, Honorary Doctor of Science from IIT Bombay in 2008, Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2014, and the Honorary Citizen Award from the Government of Singapore in 2008.
Industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. He served as chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and the Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest private-sector philanthropic trusts, and remains one of the most respected figures in Indian business and public life.
About The Author
