Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Indian conglomerate Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night. Tata was described by Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran as a friend, mentor, and guide. The cause of his death was not provided.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Tata, calling him a visionary leader and an extraordinary human being who made significant contributions to India beyond boardrooms through his philanthropic work. Many other prominent figures in India’s business world also expressed their condolences and admiration for Tata’s legacy.
Tata Group, which he led for many years, is a massive conglomerate with over 100 companies employing more than 350,000 people worldwide. Tata was responsible for major acquisitions, including the purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008.
Tata also made a significant impact in commercial aviation in India and launched initiatives to provide affordable transportation options for lower-income consumers. However, some ventures, like the Tata Nano, faced challenges and were eventually discontinued.
Tata’s educational background in architecture and his leadership in navigating economic reforms in India during his tenure as chairman of Tata Sons were also highlighted in his obituary. His passing is mourned as a significant loss for the Indian business community, with many pledging to continue his legacy of innovation and philanthropy.
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