The world lost one of its business giants and one of its loved figures with the passing of Ratan Naval Tata, erstwhile chairman of Tata Sons, on Thursday morning, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. At 86, Tata leaves behind a legacy of integrity, ethical leadership, and some remarkable contributions to India’s business landscape. Here is a breakdown of the life and impact of this legendary industrialist:
1. The Sudden Demise
Ratan Tata died on Thursday, at the age of 86 years old in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
The industrialist had been admitted in the hospital due to a sudden drop in blood pressure, reports state.
He was admitted earlier with the blood pressure, but his condition further declined that led to his transfer to the ICU.
2. Dispelling Health Rumors Before His Death
Only days before he died, on 7 October, Tata had taken to social media and dispelled the rumors of his illness.
In this otherwise reassuring post on X(formerly Twitter ), he urged readers that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups and that the conditions he had were age-related.
Tata added the media and the public should stop spreading misinformation since there is “no cause for concern”.
It was a shock to the nation when he died quite unexpectedly, contrary to all the assurances he had given his followers.
3. PM Narendra Modi’s Tribute
Ratan Tata’s death saw a tide of emotional tributes across the globe as well, and an Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gave one of the most significant tributes.
Mod described Tata as “a visioning business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” He appreciated the stable leadership to one of the oldest and most prestigious business houses in India while making important contributions beyond the boardroom.
He concluded in his social media post with, “He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making our society better.”
This is how Prime Minister Modi recently shared an affectionate moment he and Ratan Tata shared through this picture:
4. Possible Causes of His Sudden Medical Decline
Bleeding blood pressure—such as the one Tata faced—is associated with a variety of conditions, said Dr. Pratyush Mehra.
Common causes include:
Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure when one rises from a lying position. It is found commonly in the elderly.
Dehydration: Low fluid levels within the body, which may also impact blood volume and lead to other blood pressure changes.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications prescribed for heart conditions or hypertension may also cause sudden drops in blood pressure.
5. Ratan Tata Leadership at Tata Sons
Ratan Tata was the Tata Sons chairman for over two decades, from 1991 until 2012.
He replaced his predecessor J.R.D. Tata and transformed the company into a diversified, growing venture.
Under his leadership, Tata Sons ventured into new territories and created several historic milestones in the respective industries:
Tata Teleservices: In 1996, Tata created Tata Teleservices, that further expanded the Tata group’s footprint in the emergent telecommunication sector.
Tata Consultancy Services (2004 IPO): Tata successfully ventured Tata Consultancy Services as an IPO, making it India’s leading IT companies. Today, it is one of the world’s leading IT service providers.
6. Ratan Tata’s Philanthropy
If there is something substantial about Tata, it is his gigantic contributions in social causes and philanthropic initiatives while he was at the helm of the Indian industrial house.
His commitment to giving back to society is well reflected in all of the projects he was supporting in healthcare, education, and rural development.
He was the mind behind several initiatives he helped launch: toward empowered communities, sustainable development, and upliftment of the educational standard in India.
7. Global Acclaim and Respect
Ratan Tata’s leadership and business acumen brought him respect not only in India but across the world.
He became the face of ethical leadership, driving a message of doing business with integrity and fair distribution.
Tata was often touted to be a beacon of leadership who could lead, without compromising on ethics, in the most difficult of times.
His humility and zeal for betterment of society have a long-lasting impact on his being one of the most admired industrialists to have ever walked on earth.
8. The End of an Era for Tata Group
With Ratan Tata, one of the oldest and largest conglomerates has fallen from Indian history. His leadership alone marked the expansion of the company across the world with such major brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover, which are international brands after all.
With his vision of converting Tata Sons into a global power house, the group today functions in more than 100 countries.
Not only did Tata’s leadership help the group grow but also influenced the business practices across India, setting new benchmarks in corporate governance.
9. Remembering the Man Behind the Legend
Ratan Tata was a multi-dimensional person whose impact transcends business.
He can be used as a role model to inspire young entrepreneurs to dream big and work hard to maintain integrity.
It was also known how much he loved cars besides dogs, to which he showed a special affinity.
Despite his status and huge amount of money, Tata was never boastful. He would deny the limelight most often and often used his influence to fight for the cause of the weaker.
10. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Millions are mourning his death, but the legacy will remain; the unyielding leadership he had provided for Tata Sons is what has helped nurture one of India’s biggest brands. Contributions to India’s economic growth and his philanthropic activities will be inspiration to generations ahead.
As the world mourns his passing, all that he worked for is diligently secured, and his legacy will survive for years in integrity, ethical leadership, and selfless service to society.