Ratan Tata, the visionary Indian industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ¹. As the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and Tata Group, Tata left an indelible mark on India’s business landscape. His leadership transformed the Tata Group into a global business, with revenues growing over 40 times during his tenure .
Born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay, Tata was the son of Naval Tata, who was adopted by Ratanji Tata, son of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group ¹. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1959, where he later became the largest international donor, gifting $50 million in 2008 .
Tata’s business acumen and innovative thinking were evident in his conceptualization of the Tata Nano car, making cars affordable for the average Indian consumer ¹. Under his leadership, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, expanding its global reach ¹. He also invested in over 30 startups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation .
A dedicated philanthropist, Tata supported education, medicine, and rural development, establishing the Tata Education and Development Trust, which endowed a $28 million Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell University ¹. The Tata Trusts, under his chairmanship, donated generously to various institutions, including Harvard Business School, University of California, San Diego, and Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay .
Tata’s legacy extends beyond his business accomplishments, inspiring generations with his commitment to humanity and philanthropy. As tributes pour in, Twitter is filled with condolences and admiration for the legendary industrialist ¹. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on India’s business and philanthropic landscape will endure.