Ratan Tata was born in 1937 in Mumbai into a Parsi family, a community known for its substantial influence in the city’s business sector during the British colonial era.
Mumbai, India – A Sea of mourners flooded in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, on Thursday to pay their final respects to the prominent industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday. Tata was celebrated as a “titan” of industry for his leadership of one of the nation’s largest conglomerates.
His coffin, draped in the tricolor Indian flag, was escorted by a guard of honor, with a marching band playing solemn tunes during the procession. The city observed a day of mourning, with funeral rites planned for Thursday afternoon.
In its tribute, The Hindu newspaper called Tata “a titan of Indian industry,” while the Hindustan Times proclaimed, “India loses its crown jewel.” Condolences poured in from various business leaders, including Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest individual, who referred to Tata’s death as a significant loss not only to the Tata Group but to the entire nation.
Ratan Tata was born in 1937 in Mumbai into a Parsi family, a community known for its substantial influence in the city’s business sector during the British colonial era. Initially aspiring to be an architect, Tata graduated from Cornell University in New York but returned to India in 1962 after his grandmother’s request, beginning his career as a factory floor worker while living in a trainee hostel.
He assumed control of the Tata Group in 1991, coinciding with India’s broad economic liberalization. Over his 21-year leadership, he significantly expanded the conglomerate’s global presence. A defining moment came in 2008 when he decided to acquire the struggling British brands Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion. This move ultimately enhanced his reputation as the Tata Group successfully restructured both companies, returning them to profitability the following year.
The Tata Group emphasized Tata’s philanthropic contributions, noting that his initiatives in education and healthcare have positively impacted millions and will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also honored Tata as “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being,” praising him for his stable leadership within one of India’s oldest and most esteemed business entities.
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