Ratan Tata, a titan of Indian industry, took his final bow on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. He was the Chairman of the Tata Group – a veteran industrialist, philanthropist, and visionary. Even after his passing, his legacy lives on. Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, and was the eldest son of Naval Tata and Sonoo Commissariat. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, Ratan N. Tata grew up in an environment centred around philanthropy and public service.
He completed his early education at Mumbai’s Cathedral and John Connon School before heading to Cornell University in 1955, where he earned a degree in Architecture and Structural Engineering. Ratan Tata began his journey with the Tata Group in 1961, starting with Tata Industries. He gained hands-on experience at Telco and Tata Steel before joining the board of Tata Sons in 1974 and ultimately taking over as Chairman in 1991.
During his tenure, the Tata brand expanded by leaps and bounds. It took over Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus and UK-based car giants Jaguar and Land Rover. Tata also acquired Tetley, making it the world’s second-largest tea company – a deal still considered one of the largest takeovers by an Indian brand.
His innovative ideas were streamlined toward harnessing technology to broaden access to education and tackle India’s most pressing challenges. He recognised its potential as a transformative force and prioritised making technological solutions more accessible. He also left a unique legacy in the form of a small animal hospital — an initiative managed by Tata Trusts. His deep compassion for animals envisioned a facility where small animals could receive treatment with respect and care.
Below are Ratan Tata’s Top 10 Famous Quotes.
“Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others.”
“Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes.”
“I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”
“Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success.”
“I don’t believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other.”
“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”
“Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.”
“I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person less.”
“I will certainly not sell my stake in Tata Motors and Tata Steel, and never have, no matter how much I was criticised.”
“I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
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