Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86: The Life and Legacy of India’s Iconic Business Leader and Philanthropist

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest business groups, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, at the age of 86. He had been in critical condition in the ICU at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Earlier this week, Tata mentioned that he was undergoing regular health checks due to age-related issues.

N Chandrasekaran, current chairman of the Tata Group, said in an official statement, “We deeply mourn the loss of Mr. Ratan Naval Tata. He was not only a leader who shaped the Tata Group but also left an indelible mark on our nation. To me, he was more than a chairman—he was a mentor, a guide, and a friend.”

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A Leader with a Heart for Philanthropy

Chandrasekaran highlighted Tata’s immense dedication to improving society through philanthropy. His contributions in areas like education and healthcare have touched millions of lives and will continue to benefit future generations. Despite his success, Tata remained humble in all his interactions, reinforcing his dedication to doing good.

Ratan Tata’s Unmatched Legacy

Ratan Tata took over as chairman of Tata Group in 1991, leading the company founded by his great-grandfather over a century ago. During his leadership, Tata expanded the group’s operations to more than 100 countries, with revenues reaching $165 billion in 2024. Under his watch, the group’s revenues grew over 40 times, and profits increased more than 50 times.

He founded Tata Teleservices in 1996, made Tata Consultancy Services public in 2004, and oversaw key global acquisitions like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus. These deals transformed the Tata Group from an Indian company into a global powerhouse, with more than 65% of its revenue coming from international operations.

In 2008, Tata received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, after being awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000. He was also one of the world’s biggest philanthropists, giving away around 60–65% of his earnings to charity. A prolific investor, he supported startups like Snapdeal, Teabox, and CashKaro.

Tata, who was the son of Naval Tata (adopted by Ratanji Tata, son of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata), earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University and joined Tata Group in 1961, starting on the shop floor at Tata Steel. He became chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, succeeding JRD Tata. Ratan Tata never married and had no children, but his legacy will live on through the Tata Group and his charitable work.