Ratan Naval Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away due to age-related diseases at the Breach Candy Hospital. He was 86 years old. Tata was admitted to the hospital on Monday, and rife speculation about his health status mushroomed in corporate, political, and common circles.
Later, he issued a statement that he was undergoing certain routine medical examinations due to age-related health issues. He was then reported to have been put on life-support systems; however, he had neither confirmed nor denied his existence by the Tata Group officials. Chairman, Tata Sons, N Chandrasekaran stated that we are bidding adieu with a deep sense of sorrow to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, an exceptionally rare leader whose immeasurable contributions have molded not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation. "For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was much more than a chairperson.
To me he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He inspired by example. With an unyielding commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, under his stewardship, the Tata Group expanded its global footprint without losing its moral compass.".
"Mr Tata's commitment to philanthropy and welfare of society touched lives of millions. Whether in education or health area, his efforts made marks that will prove timeless, beneficial to generations to come. All of this work was underscored by Tata's genuine humility in all his interactions with every individual." Tata family joins me in extending the deepest condolences to his loving family. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles that he fought hard for us all.
Known for his urbane gentle façade and tacit coarse and sharp business acumen, Tata has served as the omnipotent Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 till he retired on December 28, 2012. It was during his stewardship that revenues of the group grew manifolds by crossing more than $100 billion in 2011-12.
At various times, Tata has served as chairman of some of the flagship Tata companies such as Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, and Tata Teleservices. He has also been associated with various organizations in India and abroad and worked on international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase. Tata was also the Chairman of the Council of Management of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and a member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University and the University of Southern California.
Born and educated in Mumbai, Tata entered this world on December 28, 1937, and was a young executive when he joined the Tata group in 1962, when he had also completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University the same year. He worked briefly with Jones and Emmons in Los Angeles before coming to India in late 1962 and then working on the shop floor of Tata Steel. Service experience in different companies led him to be appointed as Director-in-Charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company in 1971. He later completed an Advanced Management Programme at the Harvard Business School in 1975.
In 1981, he was elevated to be Chairman of Tata Industries, the group's other holding company, which he rationalized as a holding group strategy think tank and encouraged new initiatives in high-technology enterprises. In retirement, Tata was invested with the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals.
Tata was, at present the Chairman of the Tata Trusts which included the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Allied Trusts as well as Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts. Under his tutelage and stewardship these Trusts morphed from being reactive charities to India's leading philanthropic foundations trying to uplift the lives of millions of people, in meaningful partnerships with similarly-philosophical not-for-profit organizations, communities, governments (state and central), corporates, and foreign funding organisations.
The government of India honored him with the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, the country's second-highest civilian award. Tata has received numerous other awards and honors and honorary doctorates from some of the Indian and other global universities. He leaves behind family members, brothers, and sisters, including Simone Tata, Jimmy Tata, Noel Tata, Aloo Tata, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Deanne Jejeebhoy, Leah Tata, Maya Tata, Neville Tata, Manasi Tata, Jamset Tata, Tiana Tata, among others, according to a statement issued by the family.
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