Ratan Tata: Visionary leader who transformed Tata Group into a global giant

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at 86 on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. A towering figure in Indian business, Tata led the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, overseeing its transformation into a global powerhouse.

Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata hailed from a distinguished Parsi family and was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the Tata Group’s founder. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 1962, he joined the family business, eventually taking over as chairman in 1991.

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Under Tata's leadership, the group grew from $5.8 billion in revenues to over $100 billion by 2012, expanding its presence in sectors such as steel, automobiles, telecommunications, and hospitality. He spearheaded notable acquisitions, including Tetley Tea, Corus Steel, and Jaguar Land Rover.

One of Tata’s most iconic achievements was the launch of the Tata Indica in 1998, the first Indian hatchback with a diesel engine, followed by the groundbreaking Tata Nano in 2008, aimed at providing affordable mobility for the Indian middle class.

Ratan Tata retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, ethical leadership, and commitment to India's growth. His contributions cemented the Tata Group's position as a global conglomerate and a symbol of Indian enterprise.