Mumbai, the financial hub of India, came to a standstill on Thursday as the city declared a day of mourning in honour of Ratan Tata, one of the country’s most influential industrialists, who passed away at the age of 86. Tata, often hailed as a “titan of Indian industry,” transformed the Tata Group from a family-run business into a global conglomerate, earning respect both at home and internationally.
His death has left a void in Indian business and society at large, with tributes pouring in from all quarters. The funeral procession, which took place on Thursday afternoon, saw a large turnout of mourners ranging from business leaders to politicians, employees of the Tata Group, and ordinary citizens whose lives were touched by his work.
Ratan Tata’s passing was widely covered by Indian media. “India loses its crown jewel,” read the front page of the Hindustan Times, while The Hindu newspaper called him “A titan of Indian industry.” These headlines reflect the deep reverence felt across the country for Tata, not just for his business acumen but also for his charitable work.
Born in Mumbai in 1937, Tata belonged to the Parsi community, a small but historically influential group in India’s business landscape. The Tata family was already well-established in India’s corporate world, but under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group expanded beyond India’s borders and became a global powerhouse. His death marks the end of an era for the company and the country.
As part of the mourning, Tata’s coffin was draped in the Indian flag, symbolizing his immense contribution to the nation. A guard of honour accompanied the funeral procession, which was marked by a solemn marching band. The streets of Mumbai saw hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects, including high-profile figures from the business world, politicians, and ordinary citizens.
Among the mourners was Abdul Khan, a 52-year-old Tata employee, who described Tata’s passing as both a “personal loss” and a “loss for the country.” “He made so many lives better, not just the people who worked for him, but everybody,” Khan said, emphasizing Tata’s philanthropy and the positive impact he had on society.
Ratan Tata was born into wealth and privilege, but his life took several interesting turns before he became the business leader he was known for. After completing his education at Cornell University in New York, where he studied architecture, he had dreams of making a name for himself in that field. However, fate had other plans. In 1962, at the urging of his grandmother, Tata returned to India and joined the family business.
He began his career on the factory floor, working alongside labourers and sleeping in a trainee hostel. This humble beginning gave him valuable insights into the business, and over the years, he climbed the ranks within the Tata Group. In 1991, Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the group, just as India was liberalizing its economy and embracing free-market reforms.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded its presence globally, acquiring high-profile companies such as Britain’s Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and making bold moves in various industries. His decision to acquire the struggling JLR for $2.3 billion in 2008 was initially criticized, but the company quickly turned around, making it one of Tata’s most celebrated business successes.
Tata’s leadership style was visionary and transformative. He believed in taking calculated risks and pursuing opportunities that others shied away from. His approach to business was global in scope, yet grounded in a deep sense of responsibility to his home country.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group ventured into industries like software, telecommunications, and automobiles, establishing itself as a global leader in many sectors. Tata’s personal touch and ability to connect with employees at all levels were often credited for the group’s success. Despite his global success, Tata remained committed to ethical business practices and never lost sight of his responsibility to society.
One of Tata’s most significant legacies was his dedication to philanthropy. He believed that business should be a force for good and that corporations had a duty to give back to society. Through the Tata Trusts, the charitable arm of the Tata Group, he worked on initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development, which benefited millions of people across India.
The Tata Group’s statement after his passing emphasized this aspect of his life, saying, “From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come.” His commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Indians earned him not just the admiration of the business world but also of the public at large.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tribute to Tata, describing him as “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Modi praised Tata for providing “stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses” and highlighted his role in shaping modern India’s economic landscape.
Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, also expressed his sorrow at Tata’s passing, calling it a “big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.” Ambani, a business rival, acknowledged Tata’s role in setting high standards for corporate governance and philanthropy.
Ratan Tata’s legacy is one of resilience, integrity, and compassion. He transformed the Tata Group into a conglomerate that is respected not just for its financial success, but for its commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility. He has left behind a group that is synonymous with trust, and a reputation for always doing the right thing, no matter the circumstances.
While his passing has left a void, his legacy is sure to endure. His work in the areas of education, healthcare, and rural development will continue to impact millions of lives for years to come. Tata’s life serves as an example of how business leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping society for the better.