We lost Ratan Tata recently, one of India’s most visionary business leaders.
Ratan Naval Tata was born in 1937 into one of India’s most well-known industrial families. But most our story starts before our birth.
Jamsetji Tata, who was the founder of TAta group of companies had two sons Dorabji Tata and
Dorabji Tata married to Meherbai Bhabha and Ratanji Tata married to Navajbai Sett.
But Ratanji passed away at a very young age after marriage.
So, his wife Navajbai Sett adopted a boy named Naval.
On December 28, 1937, a baby boy was born from them, who was none other than Mr Ratan. After two years of his birth, his parents got separated. His grandmother raised Mr Ratan.
His school life was completed in Mumbai Cathedral and John Connon School, and then he left for the USA for further higher studies at Cornell University and Harvard Business School.
After completing his education at Cornell University and Harvard Business School, he joined IBM as employee.
At that time call came to him to join the Tata group and he was asked to send his resume.
he returned to India and joined the Tata Group in 1962.
And his first job was not as the director or CEO of a company. Mr Ratan sir’s first job on the shop floor in Tata Steel.
But his leadership journey was not easy.
After some time, Ratan Tata WAS ASSIGNED as director of NELCO Limited (Formerly known as National Radio & Electronics Company) A LOSS MAKING COMPANY AND AFTER SOME TIME.
HE MADE IT PROFITABLE BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COMPANY WAS SHUTDOWN BECAUSE OF EMOLYEE STRIKE.
But Mr JRD Tata who was the chairperson of Tata group of that time impressed with this young boy Ratan. So, Mr JRD assigned him in multiple position in Tata group to judge the capability of Ratan Tata. Some got failed and some were successful.
But Why do all respect Ratan Tata Sir?
In 1991, Ratan Tata took over as the chairman of Tata Sons. At the time, many doubted whether he could fill the shoes of his predecessor, J.R.D. Tata, a legendary figure in Indian business.
However, Ratan Tata quickly silenced his critics. He wasn’t just content with running the conglomerate he had a vision to modernize and globalize the Tata Group.
When He joined as chairperson of TATA, India was going through a huge economic change. In 1992 India leberalized its economy and that means so many competitors will be on the ground.
He faced all challenges successfully.
But why he have a huge fan dia heart fan base in India and around the globe?
One a reporter asked what makes you different from other Business Icon in the world.
He replied ” “.
Tata has never been a high paying employer. Still Employee don’t leave Tata.Because Tata treated them as family member. Ratan Tata took this culture to next level.
The Taj Hotel the first hotel of the Tata group was under terrorist attack on 26 November 2008.
Ratan took responsibility to the treatment of all the wounded tourists and employees.
He helped the people’s families by monitery who got killed in this attack.
When In Corona outbreak all the big companies were busy in fireings employees, The TATA had given salaries throughout out the time without any work.
Ratan Tata was also known for his commitment to innovation and making products that serve not only the elite but also the common man. The Tata Nano, launched in 2008, was one such innovation the world’s cheapest car, designed to make owning a vehicle accessible to millions of Indians.
One of Ratan Tata’s boldest moves was expanding Tata’s global footprint. Under his leadership, the Tata Group made several high-profile acquisitions, including Tata Steel’s purchase of Corus, Tata Motors’ acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, and the creation of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which would go on to become India’s leading IT services company.
But more than business success, what sets Ratan Tata apart was his unwavering commitment to ethics and philanthropy. The Tata Group has always been known for its corporate responsibility, with two-thirds of its profits going to charitable trusts. Whether it’s building hospitals, schools, or research institutes, Ratan Tata has always put people first.
Under his leadership, the Tata Trusts have become one of the largest philanthropic organizations in India, impacting millions of lives.
Even after stepping down as chairman in 2012, Ratan Tata’s influence continues to guide the Tata Group, a conglomerate that today operates in over 100 countries, across sectors as diverse as automobiles, IT, steel, and consumer goods.
Ratan Tata’s story is not just one of building a business empire it’s the story of a man who believed in the power of innovation, integrity, and responsibility to society. He transformed the Tata Group from a predominantly Indian enterprise into a global player, while never losing sight of the values that made it unique.
Ratan Tata’s legacy will inspire generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders for years to come.
A man whose name is synonymous with integrity, innovation, and a legacy that stretches across industries, not just in India but globally.