Ratan Tata , the revered chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India's most respected business magnates, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital. Known for his humility and visionary leadership, Tata transformed his family's enterprise into a global conglomerate, profoundly influencing India's economy and industrial landscape. Known for his quiet demeanour and steadfast dedication to ethical business practices, he leaves legacy extends beyond the industrial achievements of Tata Group, earning the admiration of millions both in India and abroad.
A visionary leader with humble beginnings Born in 1937 into the esteemed Tata family, Ratan Tata faced personal challenges early in life, with his parents' separation leading him to be raised by his grandmother. Despite the privileges that came with his family name, Tata's rise was marked by a deep-seated work ethic. Educated at Cornell University in architecture and structural engineering and later at Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, he declined a job at IBM to start at the grassroots level in the Tata Group.
In 1962, he joined Tata Motors—then known as Telco—where he began his career shoveling limestone alongside factory workers. This hands-on experience informed his leadership style, cultivating a deep understanding of Tata Group's diverse industries from the ground up. By 1971, he became director of National Radio and Electronics (NELCO), gradually climbing the ranks through hard.