MUMBAI, INDIA – Ratan Tata, the industrialist and philanthropist who led India’s Tata Group to international prominence, has died at the age of 86. Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, and his funeral rites were performed with full state honors at a Mumbai crematorium.
Thousands gathered at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) earlier in the day to pay their respects, including industrial leaders, government officials, and celebrities. Tata’s leadership and vision significantly impacted India’s corporate landscape, and he was celebrated both for his business acumen and his philanthropic contributions.
Tributes to a visionary leader
The Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates with over $100 billion in annual revenues, issued a heartfelt statement mourning his death: “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Tata “a visionary business leader, compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” Politicians, business leaders, and citizens across the country echoed similar sentiments. Tata was also known for his charitable work in areas like animal welfare, education, and health.
A global business legacy
Ratan Tata took the Tata Group to new heights during his tenure, making several landmark acquisitions, including the purchase of British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, and steelmaker Corus. Under his leadership, Tata Group expanded globally, growing into an empire that included industries ranging from steel and automobiles to tea and aviation.
While he enjoyed many successes, some of his ventures, such as the Tata Nano car, did not meet expectations. Despite occasional setbacks, Tata’s impact on Indian industry was unmatched, and his modesty and generosity earned him a place in the hearts of millions.
