Ratan Tata: Visionary who built India’s future, won its heart

New Delhi, Oct 10: There is hardly an Indian who has not heard of Tata or who has not used a Tata product. As India bids farewell to Ratan Tata, the man who reshaped its industrial future, his legacy will live on in every Tata product and service used by millions of Indians.

His influence is inescapable from Tata Salt to Tata Steel to Tata Motors to airlines.

He was not just a business leader but a nation builder, loved by every soul of the country, whose vision and philanthropy touched the lives of millions, who wanted to see every Indian having his car, a roof and an easy life.

Of late, he helped dozens of startups that valued humanity and the one which was in the news when he wanted to wade away from the aloofness of senior citizens.

The loss of Ratan Tata is not just a loss for business but for India as a whole – a testament to the life and values of a man whose heart beat for his people and his country.

Every citizen of India and the region mourns the loss of one of its greatest sons of the soil, Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital Wednesday night.

India has not just lost an industrialist, but a visionary leader who always remained non-controversial, low profile and always a step forward to help the needy as he continued in parallel transforming the Indian business landscape and his set of business companies into a global powerhouse.

Ratan Tata’s death has left a deep void, a cavity not only in the corporate world but in the hearts of millions of Indians who saw him as a leader and saviour who believed strongly in philanthropic values.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that Tata would be cremated with full state honours.

The state has declared a day of mourning on Thursday, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices.

His body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, where the public can pay their last respects, before his cremation in Worli.

Tata's vast career in building the industry of trust for the country, and under his leadership, the Tata Group became synonymous with citizens for buying a product of trust, innovation, and long-lasting.

The symbol Tata was enough for the middle class and humble families to buy any product as they knew it was long-lasting and reliable.

Ratan Tata was born in a Parsi family in December 1937, in Mumbai.

Parsi communities are known for having contributed to the soul of India who landed in the country in the 10th century from Iran.

Ratan Tata grew up in very comfortable and privileged surroundings but always remained grounded, never allowing his wealth, ego, or success to overtake his value of day-to-day life.

He earned an architecture degree from Cornell University and studied management at Harvard Business School before joining the family business in 1962.

When he joined his family business, he started at the bottom in Tata Steel’s shop floor – a testament to his work ethic and humility.

Ratan Tata took the reins of the Tata Group in 1991. It was a key moment of his progressive life. India’s economy was opening up, and Tata’s leadership not only directed the conglomerate into global markets but also ensured that the Tata name stood for trust in the hearts of Indians.

Under his leadership, the Tata Group’s profits multiplied 50 times. Most notable were acquisitions of leading British brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Tetley Tea.

As someone rightly defined Ratan Tata's commitment to “reverse colonialism” Indian companies acquiring iconic Western brands became a point of national pride and an example for the world.

Ratan Tata stepped down as Chairman in 2012.

However, he continued to shape the company and India’s future through his investments in startups and philanthropic ventures.

His heart remained in India, and his philanthropy focused on education, health, and rural development, senior citizen’s welfare, leaving a lasting impact on millions of lives.

Ratan Tata was an icon for his modest lifestyle, never exhibiting his wealth. Tata never married or had children. He lived a simple life, staying out of the limelight, despite running a vast business empire spread across 100-plus countries.

His love for aviation was legendary, and at 69, he co-piloted an F-16 fighter jet, fulfilling his lifelong passion for flying.

Ratan Tata’s death has drawn tributes from across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tata as a leader who “embodied the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship and humanity”.

Home Minister Amit Shah attended his funeral.

Simi Garewal, a close friend, and media personality, shared an emotional tribute, calling him “India's finest soul.”

His death marks the end of an era in Indian business, where a man of quiet integrity and unyielding principles guided one of the world's largest conglomerates into the 21st century.

Beyond his business insight, Ratan Tata was known for his firm integrity, his kindness, and his belief in India's potential.

His quiet but resolute leadership has left a lasting legacy – one of purpose, compassion, and boundless ambition for a better India.