Ratan Naval Tata, the revered chairman emeritus of the Tata Group and one of the most influential figures in Indian industry, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. He had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.
As news of his death spread, an outpouring of grief and condolences swept through India’s corporate world and beyond, with leaders reflecting on his lasting impact on Indian business and society.
Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86
Born into the prestigious Tata family in 1937, Ratan Tata led the Tata Group through a transformative era. Under his leadership, the conglomerate expanded its global footprint, acquired landmark companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, and launched the affordable Tata Nano car, which earned international acclaim. His visionary leadership and ethical standards made him a beacon of Indian business.
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, expressed his deep sorrow over Tata’s passing, calling it a “very sad day for India and India Inc.” Ambani noted that Tata’s death marks a significant loss, not only for the Tata Group but for the entire nation.
Reflecting on their close friendship, Ambani said, “The passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energized and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.
” He went on to praise Tata’s contributions to the Indian economy and his efforts to make the Tata Group a global force, adding, “Mr. Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat.” Ambani concluded his tribute with a personal note: "Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti."
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, shared his disbelief and grief at Tata’s passing on social media. Mahindra emphasized Tata’s immense role in shaping India’s current economic stature. He wrote, “I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India's economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward, and Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.”
Mahindra added that Tata’s legacy should serve as a reminder for businesses to prioritize the global good. “Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community,” Mahindra said, underscoring Tata’s philosophy of using business success for broader societal benefits.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his sorrow, calling Tata a "visionary" who played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. Adani stated, "India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader—he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti."
Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, also shared his heartfelt condolences, noting that Tata’s leadership was built on strong ethical foundations. He described Tata as a "beacon of integrity" and praised him for leaving an indelible mark on the business world. "The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond," Goenka wrote.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon, expressed her grief by referring to Tata as the "tallest business icon" she had ever known. "This is the saddest news - he was the tallest business icon. I was blessed to have known him. What a great man & a great mind. Om Shanti," she wrote, posting a cherished photo of herself with Tata.
N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, expressed his personal loss and spoke about Tata’s influence as a mentor, guide, and friend. In his statement, Chandrasekaran said, "For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Tata’s legacy. Modi highlighted Tata’s unique ability to balance business acumen with compassion, stating, "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."
Ratan Tata’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian business. His leadership, vision, and values shaped not only the Tata Group but also the broader corporate landscape of India.
As tributes from influential figures such as Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, and Gautam Adani illustrate, Tata’s contributions went far beyond financial success; he was a symbol of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The impact of his work, from global acquisitions to societal contributions, ensured that the Tata name became synonymous with excellence and innovation. As India mourns the loss of this iconic leader, his values of compassion, responsibility, and service to society will remain his most enduring legacy.
"Om Shanti"