Published 20:19 IST, October 10th 2024
Ratan Tata - Carried to His Rest - Amid an Outpouring of Love
Ratan Tata, India's one of the most loved entrepreneur, industrialist, philanthropist, visionary, died at 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.
India today bid a tearful farewell to one of its most valuable sons, Ratan Tata, whose final journey was marked by an outpouring of love. Crowds lined the roads to the Worli crematorium, while VVIPs, friends, and celebrities gathered to pay their respects. Tributes poured in from across the world. Tata was not just a name, but a symbol of trust, reliability, and values. As the nation says goodbye, the millennial and alpha generations are left with enduring lessons from a man who built more than a business—he built a legacy of integrity and humanity.
Ratan Tata’s final rites were performed with full state honours, with a gun salute from Mumbai police. Family members, including half-brother Noel Tata, and Tata Group executives such as N. Chandrasekaran, attended the ceremony. Union Home Minister Amit Shah , Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde , and other prominent leaders also paid tribute. Tata's life exemplified endurance, reliability, and a long-standing commitment to values that transcended business, making him a symbol of trust across the globe.
As India bids farewell to Ratan Tata, the nation's beloved industrialist, his career and contributions stand as a hope for future generations. Starting at Tata in 1962, he turned down a career in California and IBM to honor a request from his uncle, JRD Tata. Over the next five decades, he transformed Tata Group into a global powerhouse, acquiring brands like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, while also regaining control of Air India in 2021.
His tenure as chairman from 1991 to 2012 saw Tata Group’s rapid international expansion, with operations stretching from cars to software, steel to tea. His vision and leadership brought Tata Group to the global stage, but his philanthropy was equally impactful. He initiated many charitable projects, including The Aga Khan Hospital and Medical College and funding educational institutions like Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Beyond the boardroom, Tata was known for his humility and empathy. He allowed stray dogs to take shelter at Tata headquarters and invested in over 30 startups, supporting India's entrepreneurial wave. His love for fast cars, planes, and scuba diving reflected his zest for life.
In leadership, Tata faced challenges, notably with his successors, but his dignity and integrity remained unscathed as he emerged a winner from courtroom battles. As millennials and future generations reflect on his life, they will find lessons in resilience, values, and the importance of reliability in both business and personal life. Tata was not just a name—it was an embodiment of trust, endurance, and care, a symbol that will forever inspire India and the world.
As India bids adieu to this iconic figure, Tata’s legacy continues to shine as a beacon of integrity, humility, and compassion. His life offers enduring lessons for future generations about resilience, ethics, and the importance of leading with humanity. The Tata name will forever be synonymous with reliability, enduring relationships, and the values that made it more than just a business—Ratan Tata made it an institution of trust.
Rest in Peace, Ratan Tata!
Updated 20:44 IST, October 10th 2024