Ratan Tata: The Icon Who Shaped Businesses, Touched Hearts, and Loved Animals

Introduction
Ratan Tata was known as much for his integrity, philanthropy and leadership as for being a powerful name of the business world, and has left a long-lasting impact that will be remembered with affection in India as well as seen the world over.
His story from a young man trying to figure himself out in a large industry backdrop into a symbol of global business is not only inspiring but humbling as well. He was 86 years old and ran the TATA group as its chairman for more than 20 years.
The Tata Group Of Companies issued a statement on Wednesday announcing the passing of Ratan Tata: “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,”
Early Life and Education
Ratan Naval Tata was born on 28th December 1937 to Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and Navajbai Ratan Tata in the illustrious Tata family which significantly contributed to Indian industry and philanthropy.
Tata was raised by his grandmother Lady Navajbai Tata after his parents separated when he was barely ten and was raised in a household where humility, service to society and discipline as values were held in very strong importance.
As Tata once remarked, “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but his own mindset can.” These lessons of self reliance and strong values defined his later actions.
Born to a textile business tycoon, Ratan Tata attended the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and then migrated to the United states to earn a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962.

Later in life, he was destined to forge a life slightly outside of the family line of thought, choosing architecture to pursue, only to realise that his true calling was for business leadership. He returned to India to join the family business after completing the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in 1975.
Ratan Tata’s Journey To Business Leadership
When Ratan Tata joined Tata steel in 1962, he began at the bottom of the corporate ladder, right down on the shop floor in Jamshedpur. What resulted from this hands on experience was a unique experience that amounted to pretty much being turned loose to explore every facet of the company.
Reflecting on his approach to leadership, Tata once said, “I don’t believe in taking the right decisions. I decide and then decide right.” He rose through the ranks of Tata group and his pragmatic point of view became his guiding principle.
India was undergoing economic reforms when Ratan Tata became Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991 and the Tata Group was a sprawling conglomerate, ripe for restructuring. Tata, under his visionary leadership took the company on an incredible transformation.
He rationalised operations, converged the businesses and directed them towards global markets. In this period, Tata Motors, Tata Steel and TCS reached global giant status. His leadership would be characterised by strategic acquisitions that took Tata Group to the global map.
The acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 for $2.3 billion — one of his boldest moves — might seem like a no-brainer now, but it was one of the most defining moves of his career, and many of his peers and Wall Street questioned the decision back then.
Ratan Tata, however, remained confident, believing that “Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line, even in an ECG, means we are not alive.”
His guidance turned out to be successful in influencing Tata Motors to acquire into a huge success and Tata Motors is now a major player in the global automobile market.
Acquisition of Tetley in 2000 for $450 million made Tata enter into the global tea market and acquisition of Corus in 2007 helped Tata Steel to become one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers.
During Tata Group’s time under his leadership, the group’s ventures have included everything from automobiles and steel to IT services and telecommunications, and the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was a leader in the global IT industry.
A Philanthropist With A Golden Heart
Ratan Tata was a passionate philanthropist as well as an industrialist. His faith in corporate social responsibility was deep and under his stewardship the charitable trusts of Tata Group thrived.
Tata Trusts, which own 66 percent of Tata Sons, use their dividends to pour into such social initiatives as education, health care and rural development.
He made his contributions not only in the business field but also shaped institutions like the Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) to offer better healthcare and education to India.
Ratan Tata was a motivation for many business students across the globe due to his positive and gentle approach towards people and life in general.
He once said, “Take the stones people throw at you. And use them to build a monument,” This approach of him towards tackling adversity is to focus on building something which will have lasting value for society.
He did some philanthropic activities among which was during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Relief efforts for victims and the restoration of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel back to its former glory were overseen by Ratan Tata, personally. He became a symbol of resilience and of compassion during this crisis because of his dedication.
Ratan Tata’s Love For Animals And Bond With Shantanu Naidu
It is no secret to the world that his love for animals, especially dogs, was strong. At his home and his office, he frequently was seen in the company of stray dogs, of which he offered shelter and care. But his passion for animal welfare wasn’t just symbolic — it lent itself to solid action.
But it was this love for animals that then led him into an unusual friendship with Shantanu Naidu, a young Tata employee. Similar idea started by Naidu to help stray dogs avoid accidents by providing them glow-in-the-dark collars.
This came to the notice of Tata, who reached out to Naidu with his support for the initiative. Naidu, meanwhile, grew even closer to Tata and served as Tata’s assistant and close confidant in older age. This was a relationship founded on shared values Tata was able to connect with all people across generations.
After Tata’s death, Naidu paid tribute to his mentor and friend. “He wasn’t just a boss, he was my guide, my friend, my mentor,” he said. He was kind, humble and had a vision of a better world. But he also taught me how to live a life of compassion and integrity that allowed me to succeed in business, and in my life. “I will continue to be inspired by his legacy every day.”
In recognition of his wisdom, kindness, and almost magical aura, Ratan Tata was often referred to as the “Millennial Dumbledore.” In addition to being a mentor and a guide for many, this was also a nickname born of his talent to instil hope and optimism in an ever changing world.
His Decision to Remain Unmarried
Ratan Tata never married and was a highly eligible bachelor throughout his life. However, this was never based on a lack of opportunities. In interviews, Tata himself said he had almost married several times, but never did, because of the complexity of his family obligations and responsibilities.
Just as with his business, his personal life was characterised by responsibility and sacrifice. Unmarried, however, never stopped him from leading a full life, from lasting relationships and from being committed to his family, friends and the larger interests of society.
Illness, Death, and Last Rites
Ratan Tata’s health deteriorated in the last few years of his life. While he kept his illness relatively private he was clearly not in the best health and started to show an obvious decline in appearance and physicality.
He passed away on 9th October, 2024 and it signalled an end to an era, not just for the Tata group but business in all his senses.
The Parsi customs dictated that last rites for Ratan Tata were to be held at the Tower of Silence in Mumbai, as per reports. The ceremony has been attended not only by close family and friends but also by key business and political figures. Minister of Home Affairs of India Mr. Amit Shah has also been expected to attend the funeral ceremony.
It is indeed an emotional moment for those who had known him closely and witnessed how passionate a difference he made to people’s lives up close.
Tributes Pouring In From Around the World
Ratan Tata’s death sent shock waves across the globe. World leaders, business tycoons, celebrities and ordinary citizens have shared their heartfelt tributes.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, remembering Ratan Tata as, ” 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,”
Tata’s business acumen was praised by figures such as Tim Cook of Apple, and his philanthropy, according to Bill Gates. Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and N. Chandrasekaran (current chairman of Tata Sons) remembered him as a man who redefined ethical leadership and changed the face of Indian industry on the world’s stage.
What Does The Future Hold For Tata Group After Ratan Tata?
Following Ratan Tata’s death, his successor at Tata Group, N. Chandrasekaran, who has helmed the company through the chairmanship of Tata Sons since 2017, must now chart his way forward. In charge of keeping up the Tata legacy, Chandrasekaran has managed to focus on innovation and expansion.
Tata Group is an important player in the future of Indian and global industry, and is engaged in electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital technologies.

Photo Credits: Reuters
Since Ratan Tata stepped aside, Tata Group has continued to lead globally in pursuit of future focused industries still holding fast to the core values Ratan Tata practised under him. With a portfolio rich in assorted kinds of business, the future of this group is promising as growth and stability are assured.
Final Words
‘Thank You For Thinking Of Me’ – Ratan Tata’s last Instagram post said.
A great leader has left this world behind, but his contributions will not stop affecting the world even after his death.
Ratan Tata’s life and legacy is being honoured with a state funeral. The legendary industrialist and philanthropist will be remembered with a day of mourning in Maharashtra Thursday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government offices throughout the state in honour of his contributions. Several events planned for Thursday have been cancelled in respect.
Ratan Tata’s well-lived life is a lesson in persistence, invention, and service to mankind. Leading the Tata Group from global heights to personally taking care of the underprivileged and even stray animals from a deep sense of responsibility was what he did.
His wisdom, kindness, and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come, and the Tata Group will move forward with the vision that he carried to cement his legacy as one of the greatest industrialists this world has ever seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ratan Tata, and what was his impact on the business world?
Ratan Tata was a renowned Indian industrialist and philanthropist who led the Tata Group for over 20 years. He is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate, acquiring iconic brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel.
His leadership was marked by strategic expansions and his commitment to ethical business practices, leaving a lasting legacy in both Indian and global industry.
What was Ratan Tata’s educational background?
Ratan Tata studied at the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University and later completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.
Despite initially pursuing architecture, Tata returned to India to join his family’s business, where he rose to become a business leader.
What were Ratan Tata’s contributions to philanthropy?
Ratan Tata was deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly through Tata Trusts, which focus on education, healthcare, and rural development.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group emphasized corporate social responsibility, contributing significantly to various social initiatives, including the establishment of institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital and Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
What role did Shantanu Naidu play in Ratan Tata’s life?
Shantanu Naidu, a young Tata employee, developed a close bond with Ratan Tata through their shared love for animals. Naidu’s initiative to help stray dogs caught Tata’s attention, leading to a mentorship and friendship.
Naidu later became Tata’s assistant, and after Tata’s death, he paid tribute to him, calling him a guide, mentor, and friend.
How did Ratan Tata’s passing impact the world, and what were the tributes like?
Ratan Tata’s death sent shockwaves across the globe. Tributes poured in from world leaders, business figures, and celebrities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a visionary business leader, while prominent figures like Tim Cook, Bill Gates, and Mukesh Ambani praised his contributions to business and philanthropy.