Ratan Tata, the titan of the Indian industry, passed away on October 9, at the age of 86.
Ratan Naval Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval and Sooni Tata. He received his early education at Campion School and John Connon School.
Image: instagram/RatanTata
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Cornell University in 1962, and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975.
Image: instagram/RatanTata
He was involved in a number of Tata Group businesses and in 1971, he was named the Director of National Radio and Electronics Company Ltd.(NELCO).
In 1991, Ratan Tata succeeded his uncle, J.R.D. Tata, and became the chairman of the Tata Group.
Image: instagram/RatanTata
Upon taking the reins of Tata Group, Ratan Tata began expanding the conglomerate through acquisitions like the UK-based Tetley Tea in 2000, Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company in 2004, among others.
Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, Tata Steel in 2007 undertook the biggest corporate takeover by an Indian company as it acquired Corus Group, an Anglo-Dutch steel manufacturer for $11.3 billion.
Image: tatasteel.com
In 2008, Tata Motors' purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion was the largest acquisition by an Indian automotive firm. Tata Group has also invested in several startups under his leadership.
Image: tatamotors.com
In 2009, Tata Motors launched the Tata Nano. Priced at approximately ₹1 lakh, or $2,000, it was advertised as the world’s most affordable car.
Ratan Tata retired as the chairman of Tata Group in December 2012 although he served as the interim chairman of the conglomerate from 2016 to 2017. He was the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group until his death in 2024.
Image: instagram/RatanTata
Ratan Tata was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Image: instagram/RatanTata
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