In a tweet, industrialist Harsh Goenka wrote, “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy, who has left an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P.”
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter wrote, “Though he stepped down as chairman in 2012, Ratan Tata retained the honorary title of chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals. He also played a significant role in overseeing the Tata Trusts, a leading force in Indian philanthropy. His immense contributions to industry earned him the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, two of India’s highest civilian honors.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani said ‘legends’ like Mr Ratan Tata never fade away. He wrote on X, “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti
Ratan Tata had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for age-related ailments earlier this week.He was transferred to the ICU earlier today.Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, overseeing the vast conglomerate founded by his great-grandfather more than a century ago. Under his leadership, Tata Teleservices was launched in 1996, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) went public in 2004.
While he was no longer involved in the daily operations of the group, Tata Sons’ leadership often sought his counsel on major decisions. Known as a genteel businessman, Ratan Tata was revered across the country for his humility and kindness, often seen as an embodiment of ethical leadership.
Born on December 28, 1937, into the illustrious Tata family, Ratan Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University and later completed a management program at Harvard Business School. During his chairmanship, he led the Tata Group through a phase of globalization and bold acquisitions, transforming it into a global brand.
In addition to his corporate leadership, he served on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase. According to his profile on the Tata Sons website, he was widely respected for his business acumen and visionary leadership.
Ratan Tata had nearly 10 million followers on Instagram, where he followed only two accounts: the Small Animal Hospital, Mumbai, and Tata Trusts, reflecting his personal interests in animal welfare and philanthropy.
