End of an era, Legendary industrialist, an institution in himself Ratan Naval Tata breathed his last in a Mumbai hospital

SUNIL NEGI

Ratan Naval Tata , a legendary industrialist, an institution in himself and chairman emeritus of most prestigious Tata group breathed his last in a private hospital in Mumbai where he was admitted today in Intensive care unit due to his age related ailments at the age of 86.

An iconic businessman of repute representing one of the leading corporate TATA empire worth of 130 billion USD salt to software group earlier established by his late great grand father and father J.R.D Tata of which he was the emeritus chairman was a bachelor and a philanthropist as well.

The emeritus chairman of one of the biggest conglomerates TATA Sons – Ratan Naval Tata who was born on 28 December 1937 was brought up by his grandmother after his parents separated with each other after an official divorce.

A brilliant student and a dedicated young man following the footsteps of his most laborious, brilliant and dedicated father grand and great grandfather Ratan Naval Tata after immense commitment and determination seeking higher degrees of an Architect from abroad later on went to Harward and in the year 1991 became the chairman of Tata Group continuing on this pivotal position till 2012 taking this prestigious group to challenging heights maintaining the prestige and reputation of Tata sons, diversifying multi dimensionally giving employment to millions n millions of youths, skilled and unskilled employees producing best brains in the country and h ving bread and butter to crores of family in the country n abroad.

An industrialist , philanthropist and chairman of Tata group Rattan Naval Tata was also the interim chairman after relinquishing chairmanship in 2012 , from October 2016 to February 2017.

However, thereafter he continued to lead the various charitable trusts of the group always forthcoming in coming to the rescue of the poor, downtrodden and those at the lowest ebb not only nourishing them through its various philanthropic missions but also rendering best of the education and jobs, making them the better citizens of the country.

A proud recipient of Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan Ratan Naval Tata made significant contribution to the TATA conglomerate making it more expanding internationally founded by his great grandfather establishing Tata Teleservices in 1996 the pivotal telecommunication arm of the prestigious group lateron in 2004 entering the stock market with a public offering of Tata Consultancy Services, the groups IT company today making revolutionary strides and multi dimensionally progressing.

As a result of his dynamic leadership, sober and twenty two years of able , outstanding and brilliant chairmanship the group accompanied a runaway growth led by several acquisitions abroad as well. The very first being taking into its fold the prestigious British Form Tetley Tea in the year 2000 with 450 million US dollars.

The news about the shocking demise of Rattan Naval Tata was revealed by none other than the chairman of Tata Sons in a late night statement sending shock waves – though genuinely hailing the legendary industrialist as the man of unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation adding further that 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,” said Mr Chandrasekaran. 

“For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson.  To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” said Mr Chandrasekaran.

The President Droupadi Murmu while paying her respects and condolences wrote on X : In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.

The Prime minister Narendra Modi posting Ratan Tata’s picture with him in a smiling posture terming him as a visionary business leader and compassionate human being wrote on X paying his condolences : Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better.

The Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi while paying his respects to Ratan Naval Tata wrote on X : Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.