Remembering Ratan Tata: Life and Times of An Icon !!

Abstract

Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has died, the group announced in a statement on Wednesday. He was 86. Ratan Tata, who ran the conglomerate for more than 20 years as chairman, had been undergoing intensive care in a Mumbai hospital since Monday.

He worked in several Tata companies, including Telco, now Tata Motors Ltd, as well as Tata Steel Ltd, later making his mark by erasing losses and increasing market share at group unit National Radio & Electronics Company.

In 1991, he took the helm of the conglomerate when his uncle J.R.D. Tata stepped down - the passing of the baton coming just as India embarked on radical reforms that opened up its economy to the world and ushered in an era of high growth.

Let's remember Ratan Naval Tata as a great humanist and visionary leader. India will not get a leader like him.

Keywords:

Ratan Naval Tata, Obituary, Legend, Icon, Visionary Leader

Learning Outcomes

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following

1. Who was Ratan Tata?

2. Why Ratan is most admired industrialist?

3. Education of Ratan Tata 

4. Career journey of Ratan Tata

5. Achievements and Accolades of Ratan Tata

6. Famous Quotes of Ratan Tata

7. Leadership qualities of Ratan Tata 

8. Conclusions

References

1. Who was Ratan Tata?

Ratan Tata (28 December 1937 – 9 October 2024) was an Indian industrialist and philanthropist who served as chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons from 1990 to 2012, and then as interim chairman from October 2016 through February 2017. In 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in India. Ratan had previously received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, in 2000. He died on 9 October, 2024, following age-related ailments.

Brief Bio:

Born: 28 December 1937, Mumbai

Died: 9 October 2024 (age 86 years)

Parents: Naval Tata, Sooni Tata

Education: Harvard Business School (1975), Cornell University (1959)

Siblings: Noel Tata, Jimmy Naval Tata

2. Why Ratan is most admired industrialist?

Certainly, Ratan Naval Tata was a prominent Indian industrialist, best known for his leadership of the Tata Group and its remarkable transformation into a global conglomerate. However, his values as a person will also be equally remembered in the country's economic and social spheres for years to come.

His extraordinary contribution to industry and his deep commitment to social causes have left an indelible mark not only on India but the world at large. Ratan Tata's legacy will continue to inspire generations.

3. Education of Ratan Tata 

Ratan Tata completed his schooling at Campion School and John Connon School, Mumbai. He completed his schooling from Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. He joined BA, Bachelor of Architecture program offered by Cornell University (Ithaca, New York, USA) at he age of 17 and got degree in year 1962. After working for few years, he pursued Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975.

4. Career journey of Ratan Tata

Soon after completing graduation, Ratan Tata joined the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries. He completed his six months training at the Jamshedpur plant of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company, which is now known as TATA motors. This experience gave him a unique understanding of the people who powered India's industrial growth. He was appointed Chairman of Tata Industries. He took over Tata Sons, Tata trusts in year 1991. In 2008, he was honored with second-highest civilian award of India, the Padma Vibhushan. In 2012, he stepped down as Chairman of TATA sons and was appointed as Chairman of Emeritus of Tata sons.

5. Achievements and Accolades of Ratan Tata

He was famed for transforming Tata Group into India's largest conglomerate. He led notable acquisitions, launched Tata Nano and Indica cars, and contributed significantly through philanthropic activities. He received numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan.

6. Famous Quotes of Ratan Tata

1- “I don’t believe in taking the right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”

2- “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”

3- “I’ve often felt that the Indian Tiger has not been unleashed.”

4- “People still believe what they read is necessarily the truth.”

5-  “If it stands the test of public scrutiny, do it… If it doesn’t stand the test of public scrutiny then don’t do it.”

6- “Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes.”

7- “I have been constantly telling people to encourage people, to question the unquestioned, and not to be ashamed to bring up new ideas, new processes to get things done.”

8- “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! Likewise, none can destroy a person, but its own mindset can!”

9- “Businesses need to go beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve.”

10- “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.”

7. Leadership qualities of Ratan Tata 

Ratan Tata has many leadership qualities, including: 

Visionary

Tata has inspired a generation of leaders and entrepreneurs with his visionary leadership. 

Collaborative

Tata was a hands-on leader who was always willing to listen to his employees' ideas. 

Humble

Tata was humble and gave credit to those who helped him. 

Ethical

Tata is considered by some to be an ethical leader who follows his principles. 

Innovative

Tata prioritized innovation and delegated responsibilities to younger talent. 

Adaptable

Tata was quick to adopt new technologies and market trends, helping the Tata Group remain competitive. 

Philanthropic

Tata has contributed a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes. 

Socially responsible

Tata's philanthropic efforts demonstrate the importance of giving back to society. 

Effective communicator

Tata has enhanced communication skills. 

8. Conclusions

Ratan Tata is known for many qualities, including:

Humility

He is known for being modest and down-to-earth, despite his many accomplishments. He is also known for being able to connect with people from all walks of life.

Social responsibility

He is a strong advocate for social responsibility and corporate ethics. He has supported many charitable projects and trusts that aim to improve education, healthcare, and the well-being of communities.

Vision

He has a clear vision for the future of the Tata Group and is always looking for new ways to grow the company.

Decisiveness

He is a decisive leader who is not afraid to make tough decisions and take risks.

Integrity

He always puts the interests of the Tata Group and its employees first.

Resilience

He has faced many challenges and setbacks throughout his career, but he has been able to bounce back and pursue his goals.

Adaptability

He has been able to adapt to changing business environments and embrace new technologies and trends.

Strategic thinking

He has a keen sense of strategy and is able to identify opportunities and challenges. 

Tata's leadership style has set a high standard for corporate leaders worldwide. His legacy extends beyond the Tata Group and has influenced the broader global business landscape. 

References

1. Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com › ...

A legacy to remember: Here are top 20 quotes by Ratan Tata

2. Hindustan Times

https://www.hindustantimes.com › ...

What Ratan Tata said about future of India, customers, risk: Top quotes

3. Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › ...

Ratan Tata

4. www.google.com

5. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://aithor.com/essay-examples/leadership-behavior-ratan-tata-

6. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ratan-tata-visionary-leader-who-transformed-indias-business-choubey-