Ratan Tata speaks during an interview.
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Tributes from industry leaders, politicians and the general public have poured in for Ratan Tata, the former chairman of India’s Tata Sons, who died on Wednesday aged 86.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X called Tata “a visionary entrepreneura compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being… his contribution went far beyond the boardroom.”
Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai he recalled his meeting with Tata where they discussed Google’s self-driving car project.
“He leaves an outstanding business and philanthropic legacy and has been instrumental in guiding and developing modern business leadership in India,” Pichai wrote in X.
Tata, who is credited with taking his business global through several high-profile acquisitions, including that of Jaguar-Land Rover in 2008, it was according to information in intensive care a Mumbai hospital.
“By Ratan Tata death is a great loss, not just the Tata Group, but every Indian,” said Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man and chairman of oil-to-retail group Reliance Industries, said in a post on X.
“Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat.”
Tata, who earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962, joined the family business the same year. He was known for his charity and was chairman of Tata Trustsamong India’s largest charities.
N. Chandrasekaran, current chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group; expressed his condolences in a statement on the company’s website: “Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and societal development has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left deep-rooted scars that will benefit generations to come.”
Tata reportedly played a key role about 60 acquisitions which helped the group expand globally.
“With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship has expanded its global footprint while always staying true to its moral compass,” Chandrasekaran added.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani called Tata “a giant, a visionary who redefined the path of modern India”.
“Ratan Tata was more than just a businessman – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.” Adani wrote to X.
Roses are kept near the casket carrying the remains of Indian industrialist Ratan Tata at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) as visitors pay their last respects before he is cremated in Mumbai on October 10, 2024.
Punit Paranjpepunit Paranjpe | Afp | Getty Images
Anand Mahindra, The chairman of India’s Mahindra Group, which competes with the Tata Group in the auto sector, has expressed sadness over the death of Ratan Tata at a time when the Indian economy looks set to shift into a higher gear.
“India’s economy is on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work had a lot to do with us being in this position.” Mahindra wrote to X.
“He was an entrepreneur for whom financial wealth and success were most useful when put to the service of the global community,” Mahindra said.
The chief minister of Maharashtra, where the Tata Group is headquartered in Mumbai, said Tata would granted a state funeral — an honor reserved mostly for top government officials — calling him a “priceless jewel,” according to a CNBC translation of his X post in Hindi.
Tata was chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to December 2012. The group’s revenue exceeded $100 billion under his leadershipaccording to the company.