Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata (born December 28, 1937, Bombay [now Mumbai], India—died October 9, 2024, Mumbai) was an Indian businessman who became chairman (1991–2012 and 2016–17) of the Tata Group, a Mumbai-based conglomerate. He was widely admired not only for his stewardship of one of the country’s largest conglomerates but also for his personal ethics and philanthropic activities. Tata was regarded as a visionary leader, and his legacy is one of compassion and innovation that transcends the confines of the corporate realm to impact millions of ordinary lives. In his lifetime he received two of India’s highest civilian honors—the Padma Vibhushan (2008) and the Padma Bhushan (2000).Did You Know ....
Ratan means “gem”—an apt name for Tata, who was applauded for his integrity, empathy, and humility.
Tata’s compassion for dogs endeared him to humans and canines alike. In 2018, when he was to receive an award for lifetime achievement at an event hosted by Charles, prince of Wales, Tata dropped out of the event because his pet dog had fallen ill.
Stewardship of the Tata Group...
Ratan Tata became chairman of Tata Sons at a crucial period of India’s growth story: the liberalization of its economy. His ascent was impeded by stiff resistance from existing senior leadership. He consolidated power by implementing a retirement age policy, changing reporting structures, and terminating certain executives.
In December 2012 Tata retired as chairman of the Tata Group. He briefly served as interim chairman beginning in October 2016 following the ouster of his successor, Cyrus Mistry. Tata returned to retirement in January 2017 when Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed chairman of the Tata Group.
In 2021 the Tata Group won the bid to take over Air India, an airline that was originally owned by the conglomerate and subsequently nationalized in 1953. It was an evocative moment for Tata, who had stepped down as interim chairman by then. He released an official statement that read:
On an emotional note, Air India, under the leadership of Mr. J.R.D. Tata had, at one time, gained the reputation of being one of the most prestigious airlines in the world. Tatas will have the opportunity of regaining the image and reputation it enjoyed in earlier years. Mr. J.R.D. Tata would have been overjoyed if he was in our midst today.
Awards and global recognition!!
In addition to national awards such as the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, countless honorary degrees from educational institutes the world over, and several awards from Indian organizations, Tata received the following global recognitions from other countries, chiefly for helping strengthen economic ties between India and these countries:
- Medal of the Eastern [now Oriental] Republic of Uruguay (2004), from the Government of Uruguay
- Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE; 2009), conferred by Queen Elizabeth II
- Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE; 2014), conferred by Queen Elizabeth II
- Commander of the Legion of Honor (2016), awarded by the Government of France
- Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (2023), awarded by King Charles III.
