Ratan Tata, an icon of Indian industry and a towering figure respected globally, passed away at age 86. The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group had been suffering from age-related health issues for the past few years. His condition worsened a few days ago, and he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital, where he peacefully breathed his last.
Tata, who led the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, was a giant of a man who grew the salt-to-software conglomerate from a domestic industry leader into a global powerhouse. Under his visionary leadership, the group expanded its footprint internationally, acquiring iconic brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Corus and Tetley Tea.
Driven by his passion for cars, Tata devoted much of his time and energy to Tata Motors, which he single-handedly transformed from a maker of trucks to a full-fledged automobile company that finally acquired Jaguar Land Rover. His brainchild, the Tata Indica, was a breakthrough product that, for the first time, put an Indian company in direct competition with global automotive giants. The Tata Nano, another Ratan Tata brainchild, failed to woo customers, but it inspired many global automakers to develop their own low-cost cars. The Renault Kwid is one such example that was influenced by the Nano.
Tata’s impact is not only in the companies he built but also in the values of integrity, ethics and nation-building he championed. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that transcends business, inspiring generations of entrepreneurs and leaders around the world.