Asian Mail
Srinagar:Ratan Naval Tata, the visionary chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. He had been undergoing treatment for prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for the last few days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Ratan Tata, in a X post PM said, “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.”
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“He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” PM said.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also condoled his death. “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
Meanwhile, Amit Shah also tweeted,”Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also tweeted, “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Sh Ratan Tata Ji. He was undoubtedly one of the most influential industry leaders in recent times. He left a deep imprint on Indian economy, trade & industry. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & well-wishers. Om Shanti!”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, declaring a day of mourning in the state to pay tribute to the legend.
Tata’s body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. At 3.30 pm, his body will be taken to the Worli crematorium for last rites.
‘THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF ME’
In his last social media post on October 7, Ratan Tata thanked everyone for thinking of him as he dismissed reports regarding his health. He said that he remained in “good spirits” and was undergoing medical check-ups for his age and related medical conditions.
ARCHITECT OF TATA GROUP’s GLOBAL EXPANSION
The business tycoon had led the transformation of the Tata Group into a global powerhouse through several high-profile acquisitions.
After earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University, Ratan Tata returned to India in 1962 to join the company founded by his great-grandfather. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to several Tata companies, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. His leadership was particularly impactful in turning around National Radio & Electronics Company.
In 1991, Ratan Tata took over as chairman from his uncle JRD Tata, at a time when India was opening its economy to the world.
One of his early actions as chairman was to implement reforms within the Tata Group, focusing on succession planning, bringing in younger talent, and tightening control over the businesses.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is marked by the group’s global expansion, including the acquisition of iconic international brands. Under his leadership, Tata acquired British tea company Tetley in 2000, Corus Steel in 2007, and Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008.
His vision also extended to the development of Tata Motors’ Indica, the first Indian-designed car, and the Nano, a car intended to be the most affordable in the world.
The government honoured Ratan Tata with its second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008. He was also appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rockefeller Foundation.
(Courtesy India Today)
