Remembering Ratan Tata: Key Facts About the Business Legend Who Transformed the Tata Brand

Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. He had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on October 8. Known for his visionary leadership and philanthropy, he received two of India’s highest civilian awards: the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his contributions to the nation. Here are some important facts about this remarkable industrialist:

Key Facts About Ratan Tata

• Family Background: Ratan Tata was the grandson of Jamsetji Tata. His parents separated when he was just ten years old, and he was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata.
• Education: He earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962 and completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in 1975. After graduating, he briefly worked with a firm in Los Angeles before returning to India in late 1962.
• Contributions to Education: Tata served on the board of trustees for both Cornell University and the University of Southern California. He established a $28 million Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell to help undergraduate students from India.
• Career Start: Ratan Tata began his career at the Tata Group in 1961, starting with operations on the shop floors of Tata Steel.
• Aviation Enthusiast: He was a licensed pilot and made history in 2007 as the first Indian to fly an F-16 Falcon jet.

Personal Life

• Unmarried: Ratan Tata never married, although he came close to doing so four times. He once fell in love while working in Los Angeles, but the 1962 Indo-China War complicated things, as his love interest’s parents opposed her moving to India.
• Dog Lover: Known for his love of dogs, Ratan Tata owned two pets named Tito and Maximus. He also allowed stray dogs to come inside the Tata Group headquarters, Bombay House, during the rainy season, a tradition started by Jamsetji Tata. The headquarters even has a kennel for stray dogs, complete with food, water, toys, and a play area.

Ratan Tata leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and innovation that will be remembered for years to come.

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