A true testament to innovation and purposeful living

Ratan Tata, a giant of Indian industry whose contributions made Tata Sons a byword for trust, integrity and visionary leadership, has died at the age of 86.

The loss of this colossus has left an indelible void not just in the business world but also in the hearts of billions of people who saw him as much more than just a corporate icon – a philanthropist who shaped India’s future.

Ratan Tata’s death marks the end of an era – of businessmen whose quiet modesty belied their world-changing contributions.

The pioneer of India’s industrial renaissance and the catalyst of India’s rapid growth in manufacturing sectors, Tata leaves behind a legacy of vision, boundless generosity and tenacity of character like no other.

Even in his absence, his name will shine brightly, carrying forward his ideals in a nation forever indebted to his transformative vision.

In a world that often seemed driven by self-interest, he stood as a symbol of unparalleled leadership, a reminder that success can go hand in hand with empathy and humility. It was the way he carried himself – with quiet modesty, choosing to stay away from the limelight, in a world where businessmen thrive on it. But as Ratan Tata would tell others in countless interviews, “There is a difference between a businessman and an industrialist.” Under Ratan Tata’s leadership as chairman from 1991 to 2012, Tata Sons transformed into a global conglomerate with unprecedented expansion. He acquired Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 for $2.3 billion and Corus Steel in 2007 for $12 billion, making Tata Steel one of the world’s largest steel producers. The visionary launched Tata Motors’ groundbreaking projects, including the Tata Indica, India’s first indigenous car, and the Tata Nano for India’s middle class. During his tenure, Tata Group revenues grew more than 40 times, with 65% of income coming from global operations, a remarkable turnaround for the Indian giant.

Ratan Tata’s contributions to philanthropy were as transformational as his corporate achievements. As chairman of Tata Trusts, which controls 66% of Tata Sons’ profits, he directed billions of dollars to causes such as healthcare, education, and rural development.

Under his leadership, the Tata Group funded pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, as well as supporting global projects such as the Tata Center for Technology and Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His philanthropic approach impacted millions of people, making Tata one of the world’s most charitable organizations, setting a gold standard for corporate social responsibility.

It wasn’t just about building a global empire; it was always about building a better society for them. True success is not measured by wealth, but by the positive impact we have on others.

This was a man who used his resources to uplift the marginalised, invest in India’s future and inspire countless others to do the same. Ratan Tata’s legacy is not just in the companies he built or the wealth he amassed; it’s in the values ​​he instilled in us. Ratan Tata will always be an icon – a true testament to a life built by innovation and purpose.