Padma Vibhushan Business Tycoon Ratan Naval Tata Passes Away

One of the icons of Indian business in the modern era, Ratan Naval Tata, passed away on 9 October 2024 at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Ratan Naval Tata was 86 years old, suffering from age-related medical complications and was in a critical condition.

The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning. Ratan Tata‘s last rites will be performed in Mumbai on 10 October 2024, according to the Parsi tradition, with full state protocol. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the last rites of Ratan Tata.

About Ratan Tata 

Ratan Naval Tata was born  December 28, 1937 to Soonoo and Naval Tata. He attended school in Mumbai and, in 1955, went to Cornell University in the United States to study architecture and structural engineering. He returned to India in 1962 and joined the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries.

Made Tata Group a Multinational company 

Jamsetji Tata founded the Tata Group by establishing a cotton mill in Maharashtra. The Tata Group is a diversified business group operating in Steel, cement, textiles, hydroelectric power, agricultural equipment, trucks, locomotives, software, the hospitality sector, etc.

Tata Sons control the Tata group of companies.

In 1991, Ratan Tata was appointed the chairman of the Tata Sons after Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (JRD Tata) death.

1991 also saw the introduction of a new economic policy in the country, which encouraged the private sector and promoted the globalisation of the Indian economy.

Under Ratan Tata, the Tata Group expanded its business and aimed to become a multinational company. 

During his tenure, the Tata Group acquired  London-based Tetley Tea (2000), the Anglo-Dutch steel manufacturer Corus Group (2007), and elite British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from the American Ford Motor Company in 2008.

The Tata Nano car was launched during his tenure, priced at Rs one lakh. 

In 2012, Ratan Tata stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons and was made Chairman Emeritus.

Awards and Honours 

Ratan Tata was honoured with various awards and citations during his illustrious lifespan. Some of the important awards/honours are as follows:

• Padma Vibhushan (India’s 2nd highest civilian award)- in 2008
• Padma Bhushan(India’s 3rd highest civilian award)- 2000
• Udyog Ratna of Maharashtra - 2023
• Assam Baibhav of Assam Government- 2021

Foreign Award

• Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (by the United Kingdom)- 2009
• Commander of the Legion of Honour(Government of France )- 2016
• Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun(Japan Government)-2012
• Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia(Australian Government)-2023
• Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italy) in 2009.
• Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay(Uruguay Government)-2004