LIVE | India mourns industry titan Ratan Tata, who died at 86
The industrialist, who headed salt-to-software Tata Group for over 2 decades, breathed his last in Mumbai on Oct 9
The nation went into mourning at midnight as Ratan Naval Tata, former Tata Sons chairman who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate with a string of eye-catching deals, died on October 9. He was 86.
Tata, who was chairman of the salt to software Tata Group for more than two decades, breathed his last at south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm on Wednesday.
Also read | Ratan Tata obit: Industry trailblazer, corporate adventurer, boardroom patriarch
A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Tata, had been in intensive care at the hospital since Monday.
A top official of the Mumbai police was the first to inform of his death, followed by a confirmation by Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran who called Tata "a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation".
Early days
Educated at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, the veteran industrialist worked on the shop floor at the family-run group after returning to India in 1962.
He gained experience in several Tata Group firms before being named director in charge of one of them, the National Radio and Electronics Co. in 1971.
He became chairman of Tata Industries a decade later and in 1991 took over as the chairman of the Tata Group from his uncle, JRD, who had been in charge for more than half a century.
Growth of the group
Under his stewardship, the conglomerate embarked on a massive expansion drive, snapping iconic British assets including steelmaker Corus and luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover.
Its two-and-half-dozen listed firms now make coffee and cars, salt and software, steel and power, run airlines and introduced India's first super app.
It recently forayed into chip making and is planning an iPhone assembly plant. The conglomerate ended with USD 165 billion in revenue in the last fiscal.
"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," Chandrasekaran said in a late-night statement.
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Live Updates
- 10 Oct 2024 1:38 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | His unwavering support instrumental in JLR success post-2008: CEO Mardell
Jaguar Land Rover on Thursday (October 10) paid tribute to Ratan Tata, saying his inspirational leadership helped the British marquee brand achieve phenomenal success across the globe.
The Mumbai-based salt to software conglomerate had acquired Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2008.
"The entire JLR family is profoundly saddened by the death of Ratan Tata. His personal achievements and legacy are unequalled in society, and the mark he leaves on our business and brands is greater than that of any other individual," JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said in a statement.
He noted that the former Tata Group chairman has inspired new chapters in the British automaker's history.
"It was thanks to his singular vision that Tata acquired JLR in 2008, and we owe everything we have become since then to his unwavering support and dedication," Mardell stated.
“Tata led the automaker on an extraordinary journey. Under his generous and trusting guidance, JLR felt deeply proud to be part of the Tata story,” Mardell said.
- 10 Oct 2024 1:32 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | Chandrababu Naidu to pay homage in Mumbai
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be leaving for Mumbai on Thursday afternoon (October 10) to pay tributes to business tycoon Ratan Tata, who died due to prolonged illness.
According to official sources, Naidu will depart to Mumbai by a special aircraft and will return to Amaravati the same evening.
Condoling the demise of Ratan Tata, Chandrababu Naidu called him a business titan and a true humanitarian.
“Today, we have lost not just a business titan, but a true humanitarian whose legacy goes beyond industrial landscape to live in every heart he touched,” Naidu said in a post on X late on Wednesday night (October 9).
- 10 Oct 2024 1:27 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | Telugu film personalities pay tribute to the legend
Telugu film personalities, including Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Junior NTR and others on Thursday (October 10) mourned the demise of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, hailing his philanthropy and contributions to the country's industrial progress.
“Ratan Tata's demise is a sad day for all Indians. For generations together, there is not a single Indian whose life has not been touched by his services one way or the other,” Chiranjeevi said.
"One of the greatest visionaries our country has ever seen, a truly legendary industrialist, a philanthropist extraordinaire and a human being par excellence, Shri Ratan Tata’s contributions not only built the Illustrious TATA brand into a global powerhouse but also stupendously contributed to our Nation building," he said on X.
Describing Ratan Tata as a giant of industry and a beacon of humanity, actor Mahesh Babu said the departed industrialist’s generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment for the greater good has left an indelible mark on the world.
In his message, Junior NTR said Ratan Tata's selfless philanthropy and visionary leadership have transformed countless lives. "India owes him a debt of gratitude."
Actor Ram Charan termed Ratan Tata's demise as a huge loss to the nation.
"An iconic legend and guiding light, he touched the lives of many, from the common man to business pioneers. A deeply loved philanthropist, Ratan Tata Sir’s legacy will live on in the hearts of millions," he said.
- 10 Oct 2024 1:22 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | He brought reforms to Tata Group's working ethos: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (October 10) paid glowing tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata and said he brought reforms to the working ethos of the Tata Group while following all rules and regulations.
Addressing the annual session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in new Delhi, Shah said under Tata's stewardship, the Tata Trusts have been contributing immensely in diverse areas such as education, health, social welfare, and cancer care.
"Tata's legacy will remain as an inspiration for all business leaders in the years to come. He will continue to be a role model for all business leaders," he said.
The home minister, who will take part in the last rites of Ratan Tata in Mumbai and pay respects on behalf of the Government of India, said the iconic industrialist took over as the head of the major Indian business group at a time when the Tata companies required changes.
He said after a detailed study and with lots of patience, Ratan Tata brought changes in all of the Tata companies.
"As chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata brought reforms to its working ethos and helped it grow into a formidable industrial group while following all rules and regulations," he said.
Earlier, in a message, Shah said he was deeply saddened by the demise of the "legendary industrialist and true nationalist".
He said Tata selflessly dedicated his life to the development of the nation.
"Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me," he added.
The home minister said Tata's commitment to the welfare of the country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams.
"Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," he said.
- 10 Oct 2024 1:16 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | Top business, political leaders pay homage
Thousands of people from different walks of life, including politicians and corporate leaders, gathered at the NCPA in Mumbai on Thursday (October 10) to pay homage to the legendary Ratan Tata, whose identity transcended beyond being the top industry icon.
The body of Ratan Tata, who died in a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night (October 9), was brought from his Colaba home in a hearse decked with white flowers to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai.
The mortal remains were kept at the NCPA in a casket with a tricolour covering it.
Among the early ones who arrived to pay respect were Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar, his daughter MP Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, finance industry stalwart Deepak Parekh, and Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das.
Leader of opposition in the Maharashtra assembly Vijay Wadettiwar and assembly speaker and local MLA Rahul Narwekar were among those who reached the NCPA.
The employees and top executives of the Tata group were also present to pay respect.
CM Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's education minister Deepak Kesarkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani were among those who rushed to the hospital after hearing about Tata's death.
- 10 Oct 2024 1:09 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | Maharashtra govt proposes his name for Bharat Ratna award
The Maharashtra government in a cabinet meeting on Thursday (October 10) decided to propose the name of Ratan Tata for the Bharat Ratna award.
Ratan Tata, the emeritus chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday (October 9).
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award given by the Government of India.
- 10 Oct 2024 12:59 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | He was truly a legend: Advani
Veteran BJP leader L K Advani on Thursday said among the Indian business houses, he has admired Tatas the most due to the immense dedication, vision and integrity with which Ratan Tata steered the group to glory for many decades.
Tata, the former Tata Group chairman who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate, breathed his last in Mumbai on Wednesday night. He was 86.
In his condolence message, the former deputy prime minister said Tata left an indelible mark on the Indian industry. He was one of the giants of the industry, Advani added.
"He indeed proved to be a worthy successor of the very inspiring late Shri J R D Tata, with whom I had the opportunity to interact with on numerous occasions," Advani said.
The BJP stalwart said his last communication with Tata was in February this year when he received a "warm letter" from him after being conferred with Bharat Ratna.
- 10 Oct 2024 12:26 PM IST
Ratan Tata death | Acted as my moral compass: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy
Losing "dear friend" Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata is "very painful", IT industry veteran and Infosys co founder N R Narayana Murthy on Thursday said as he acknowledged that he was a role model for him in value-based leadership.
"He (Tata) was indeed a moral compass for me whenever I had some ambiguity and confusion in ethical issues," the 78-year-old said.
After conferring an honour on Tata in 2020, the software icon had bent down to touch his feet and sought his blessings.
“Losing a dear friend like Ratan is very painful. Ratan was a role model for me in value-based leadership," Murthy said in his condolence message.
Tata (86) passed away late Wednesday evening in Mumbai due to age-related medical conditions.
- 10 Oct 2024 12:23 PM IST
Ratan Tata death: He was deeply associated with modernisation of Indian industry: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the passing away of industry stalwart Ratan Tata is the "end of an era".
Jaishankar, in a post on X, said Tata was deeply associated with the modernisation of the Indian industry.
"The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation," he said.
"Was my privilege to have interacted with him on numerous occasions. And benefitted from his vision and insights. Join the nation in mourning his demise. Om shanti," he said.
