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Legendary business tycoon and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Mr Ratan Tata, passed away on 9 October at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 86. Tata’s death is a loss not only for India but the world’s tech community.
Ratan Tata's legacy in science and technology is transformative. He sponsored premier institutions like IISc, funding critical Alzheimer's research with a US$9 million (Rs 75 crore) grant in 2014. He established centers such as the Tata Center for Technology at IIT Bombay and the MIT Tata Center to address societal challenges.
His US$70 million donation to the Tata Institute for Genetics at UC San Diego advanced gene editing and stem cell research. Tata also promoted environmental sustainability, supporting water purification technology. He established companies like TCS and Tata Motors that pioneered AI and digital solutions as well as electric vehicles in India to promote technological growth.
Ratan Tata headed Tata Group for over two decades and positioned it as a global player in many sectors by acquiring Tetley in 2000, Corus in 2007, and Jaguar Land Rover in 2008.
Under the chairmanship of Ratan Tata between 1991 and 2012, the group's revenues grew from US$5.7 billion to nearly US$100 billion. This made the Tata Group one of the prominent global groups, with numerous industries such as steel, automobiles, and IT under its umbrella.
The world icons, including industry leaders, reacted in shock and dismay after hearing of Ratan Tata's death.
According to co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, the loss left by Tata is one that "will be remembered forever in the world." Gates further said, "His passing will be felt around the world for years to come. I am confident that the legacy he left will inspire generations."
Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy came to tears, recalling a personal incident where he took his daughter to meet him. According to Murthi, Tata spent three hours responding to questions the inquisitive girl put before him with an open heart and humility.
Ratan Tata's legacy was not restricted only to the business success story, his philanthropic initiatives changed many lives. More than 65 percent of his shares in Tata Sons went toward education, healthcare, and social development programs. His motto of changing the quality of life for all Indians defined his work and the accolades he received, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
After officially retiring in 2012, Tata remained a very active member of the company and continued to contribute positively towards promising start-ups and charitable causes. His simple life, full of integrity is a testament to the leadership that went beyond corporate interests to the benefit of mankind.
Noel Naval Tata, Ratan Tata’s half-brother who has 40 years of experience in the Tata Group is rumored to be the probable successor. He has worked for the company in varying capacities at Trent, Voltas, Tata International, and Tata Investment Corporation.
As the Managing Director at Tata International from 2010 through 2021, he took the company's turnover from US$500 million to over US$3 billion. In May 2023, three of his children, Leah, Maya, and Neville, were inducted as trustees of the Tata philanthropic trusts as per Ratan Tata’s wishes.
Noel’s confirmation as the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group is yet to be confirmed. Although he is a strong contender, 13 trustees, including Mehli Mistry and Darius Khambata, will reach a consensus, keeping in mind Tata’s wishes.
The death of Ratan Tata has left India and the world with an irreparable loss. His vision, dedication, kindness, and legacy will continue to inspire the business world and the coming generations.
