Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected industrialists and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 87. Tata Sons announced his passing, highlighting his profound contributions to the Tata Group and his impact on India’s growth.
Admitted to Breach Candy Hospital with age-related ailments, Ratan Tata had been under intensive care.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Tata as a visionary leader and humanitarian, noting his devotion to philanthropy, particularly in education, healthcare, and environmental causes.
Beginning his career at Tata in 1962, Ratan Tata succeeded his uncle, J.R.D. Tata, as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. During his 21-year leadership, he spearheaded acquisitions like Tetley, Corus Steel, and Jaguar Land Rover, transforming Tata Group into a global powerhouse. Among his legacy projects were Tata Motors’ Indica, India’s first domestic car, and the affordable Nano car.
An architecture graduate from Cornell University, Ratan Tata was known for his modest lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy, with two-thirds of Tata Sons’ profits supporting social causes through charitable trusts. Even after his retirement, he remained actively involved in India’s startup ecosystem, investing in companies like Paytm and Ola Electric.
Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008 for his services to industry. Tata leaves behind an enduring legacy in both business and social impact, shaping the Tata Group into a symbol of Indian innovation and integrity.
History of Tata Group
The Tata Group is a prominent Indian conglomerate based in Mumbai, established in 1868. It stands as India’s largest business group, offering a wide range of products and services worldwide, with a presence in over 100 countries and reaching customers in more than 150 nations.
As of August 20, 2024, the Tata Group’s 29 publicly listed companies boast a collective market capitalization of ₹33.7 trillion (approximately US$403 billion). Key companies within the group include Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Power, Titan, Tata Projects, Air India, the Indian Hotels Company, Tata Consumer Products, Voltas, Trent, Cromā, and BigBasket.
The Tata Group: Legacy and Growth (1839–2024)
Founded by Jamsetji Tata in the 19th century, the Tata Group has evolved into one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates. Jamsetji Tata’s legacy began in 1868 with a small trading company that laid the groundwork for India’s industrial revolution. His vision encompassed establishing a steel company, a world-class hotel, an educational institution, and a hydroelectric plant—initiatives that transformed India’s infrastructure and industry.
Early Beginnings (1839–1904)
Jamsetji Tata, born in 1839, pursued higher education at Elphinstone College in Bombay, joining his father’s trading business soon after. He capitalized on the American Civil War’s cotton boom, later founding his own trading firm in 1870 with a small capital of Rs. 21,000. Notable achievements during this period included the acquisition and transformation of an oil mill into Alexandra Mill, and the establishment of the iconic Empress Mill in Nagpur. His crowning project, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, opened in 1903 as India’s first hotel with electricity.
Building Foundations (1904–1938)
Upon Jamsetji’s passing, his son, Sir Dorabji Tata, took over as chairman in 1904. Continuing his father’s vision, he founded the Tata Iron and Steel Company (now Tata Steel) in 1907, launched Tata Power, and fulfilled the dream of establishing the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Tata’s first international office was opened in London, marking the start of Tata’s global reach.
Expansion and Innovation (1938–1991)
J.R.D. Tata led Tata Group from 1938 to 1991, transforming it from 14 enterprises into 95. Under his leadership, the group pioneered several sectors, including chemicals, engineering, cosmetics, software, and aviation. Tata Airlines, established in 1932, was later nationalized and renamed Air India. Tata Motors was founded in 1945, initially focusing on locomotives before diversifying into commercial vehicles in 1954. Tata Consultancy Services, the group’s technology giant, launched in 1968.
Global Expansion (1991–2024)
Ratan Tata’s chairmanship in 1991 marked a new era, aligning with India’s economic liberalization. During his tenure, Tata Group acquired iconic international brands like Tetley (2000), Corus Group (2007), and Jaguar Land Rover (2008). Tata Motors also introduced the Tata Nano, aiming to make car ownership affordable.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran became chairman in 2017, restructuring Tata’s business and enhancing its presence in e-commerce, healthcare, electronics, and digital sectors. Under his guidance, Tata expanded its airline business by acquiring Air India and AirAsia India, signaling a commitment to long-term growth across diverse industries.
