Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, current chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed Tata’s death and hailed him as a friend, mentor, and guide. Tata had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the week but assured the public that his health was stable.
Tata’s legacy includes expanding the Tata Group to include nearly 100 companies, such as India’s largest automaker and steel company. He acquired Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008 and was known for his philanthropy work. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Tata as a visionary leader and a compassionate human being.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted Tata’s business acumen and his impact on modern business leadership in India. Tata’s contributions to commercial aviation and launching projects like Tata Nano showcased his entrepreneurial spirit.
Ratan Tata was a graduate of Cornell University and joined the Tata Group in 1961. He served as chairman from 1991 to 2012, with brief stints in an interim role. His lasting impact on the business world and Indian society will be remembered for years to come.