"Visionary", "True Titan", "Legend": Politicians, Business Leaders Remember Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata, India’s iconic industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, died on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 86. The news of his death was confirmed late Wednesday evening after reports surfaced earlier in the day that he was critically ill and receiving treatment at a Mumbai hospital. Tata Sons, the company he led to global prominence, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of a man who shaped one of the world’s largest and most respected conglomerates.
“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,” the company said, expressing the collective grief of the Tata family and employees across the globe.
Tata, known for his visionary leadership and philanthropic endeavours, was a defining figure in modern Indian industry. Born in Mumbai on December 28, 1937, he joined the family business in 1962 and assumed the role of Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Over the course of his tenure, he expanded the group’s global reach, acquiring major international brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea, and modernising the group’s business practices, while preserving the core values of ethics and integrity.
Tributes Pour In for the Indian Icon
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to offer his condolences, lauding Tata as a visionary leader. He remarked, “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. His leadership extended far beyond the boardroom, and his humility, kindness, and commitment to society endeared him to millions.”
President of India Droupadi Murmu highlighted Tata’s contributions to both corporate growth and national development. “In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation-building, and excellence with ethics,” she said. “His philanthropic contributions are invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire both seasoned professionals and young aspirants alike.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, stating, “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.”
Remembered as a Titan of Industry
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin expressed his sorrow at Tata’s passing, calling him a “true titan” of Indian industry. “His visionary leadership not only shaped the Tata Group but also set a global benchmark for ethical business practices,” Stalin remarked, noting Tata’s significant contributions to nation-building and philanthropy. He added, “India has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations.”
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, echoed these sentiments, describing Tata as a “shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial spirit” whose influence will resonate for years to come. “He has left an indelible legacy in the business landscape across the world which will inspire future generations,” Patnaik stated.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, shared a personal reflection, admitting that he struggled to accept Tata’s passing. “India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward, and Ratan’s life and work have much to do with our being in this position. His mentorship and guidance at this point would have been invaluable,” Mahindra said. “He was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success were most useful when put to the service of the global community.”
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the founder of Biocon, referred to Tata as “the tallest business icon” and said she felt blessed to have known him. “What a great man & a great mind. Om Shanthi,” she tweeted.
A Profound Loss for India Inc.
Ratan Tata’s impact stretched far beyond business, as many political and business leaders recognised his humanitarian efforts. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as a “public-spirited philanthropist,” while expressing her condolences to his family and the Tata Group. “His demise will be an irreparable loss for the Indian business world and society,” Banerjee said.
Actor Salman Khan also expressed his sorrow, simply stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Ratan Tata.”
Perhaps the most personal tribute came from Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, who referred to Tata as a close friend. “It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian,” Ambani remarked. “Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised, and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character.”
Ambani went on to highlight Tata’s role in modernising the Tata Group, growing it by over 70 times since taking the helm in 1991. “With the demise of Mr. Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat,” he added.
