India loses a visionary business leader, and an iconic philanthropist – Ratan Naval Tata – on late night of Wednesday, a loss that shook the entire nation.
He was hospitalised in Mumbai’s Beach Candy, and on October 7, Tata issued a statement to dispel rumours about his health and said that he was undergoing medical check-ups due to his age and related medical conditions.
However, his condition worsened, and on Wednesday, he was put on ventilator support.
Truly uncommon leader: N Chandrasekaran
Tata Sons Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, confirmed the reports of his demise issuing a press statement saying, “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”
“To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.”
“Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction.”
Dreaming big and giving back: PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourns the demise of Ratan Tata and in a post on X, that has his picture with the business leader, said, “Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses.”
“At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” he added.
“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few,” PM Modi said.
Always strove for society’s greater good: Mukesh Ambani
In a statement, Mukesh Ambani said, “It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.”
“At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.”
Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good.
With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991.
Unable to accept his absence: Anand Mahindra
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said in his post, “I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.
“With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die…Om Shanti”
Beacon of integrity, ethical leadership: Harsh Goenka
Harsh Goenka, who was among the first to post about his death on X said, “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P.”
