Ratan Tata
By Onkareshwar Pandey*
With his humility, far-sightedness, and unyielding ethical standards, Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, stood tall among the greatest visionaries of our time. Although recognized for his business acumen, his life is a symphony of lesser-known stories, decisions made at the most critical junctures, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place. He is not just a titan of Indian industry; he is the epitome of grace, integrity, and relentless service to humanity.
The Early Life
Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Naval Tata’s upbringing was far from the sheltered life that many would expect for someone in his position. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, following his parents’ separation, Ratan’s early years were marked by a sense of discipline, humility, and independence. Educated at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, he later moved to the United States, where he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Architecture. His time in the U.S. profoundly shaped his outlook on life and business, teaching him resilience, adaptability, and a broader perspective on innovation.
Lesser-Known Anecdotes
One of the most compelling yet lesser-known anecdotes from Ratan Tata’s life is his role during the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 26/11. As chaos unfolded in the city and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel—owned by the Tata Group—was under siege, Ratan Tata did not retreat to the safety of his home. Instead, he reached out to the victims and their families, both staff and guests, personally meeting them, offering financial assistance, and ensuring they had all the support they needed. This was not merely an act of a businessman protecting his assets; it was a compassionate leader putting humanity above everything else.
A story that remains etched in the memories of many is when Tata refused to accept the reimbursement for hotel staff from the government. His words were, “We do not want charity; we will rebuild our pride ourselves.” His commitment to standing by his employees and those affected by the tragedy showed the depth of his character, a rare blend of compassion and strength that is often missing in corporate leadership.
The Visionary
Ratan Tata’s business acumen has not only shaped the Tata Group but also revolutionized the Indian industry on a global scale. When he took over as Chairman in 1991, many doubted whether he could fill the enormous shoes of his predecessor, J.R.D. Tata. Sceptics questioned his ability to modernize the conglomerate. What followed was a series of bold, transformative moves that not only silenced his critics but also established Tata as a global powerhouse.
Ratan Tata’s decision to acquire Tetley Tea in 2000 was a masterstroke that positioned Tata Tea as the second-largest tea company in the world. It was the first of many steps that demonstrated his willingness to think beyond Indian shores, aiming to build a global enterprise. He later led the acquisitions of global giants like Corus Steel and the iconic Jaguar Land Rover in 2007 and 2008, respectively, during the global financial crisis. These were not mere acquisitions; they were calculated risks that underscored his belief in the capability of Indian companies to compete on a global scale.
Global Recognition
Ratan Tata’s influence extends far beyond the business world. Globally, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India, and the Order of Australia. Despite these accolades, his humility remains unshaken. He once said, “I don’t believe in taking right decisions, I take decisions and then make them right.” This philosophy is reflected in his approach to challenges, always turning obstacles into opportunities with remarkable foresight.
A Business Leader with a Heart
While Ratan Tata’s achievements in business are well-documented, his legacy in philanthropy is what truly sets him apart. Few know that around 66% of the equity of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, making the Tata Group not only a business entity but also a vast charitable institution. This unique ownership structure has allowed Ratan Tata to channel a significant portion of the company’s wealth towards education, healthcare, rural development, and social welfare.
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One of his most ambitious projects was the creation of the Tata Nano, aimed at making car ownership accessible to the average Indian family. Although the project faced numerous challenges, including production delays and a lukewarm market response, Ratan Tata’s motivation was never purely commercial. It was driven by his desire to provide a safe and affordable means of transportation for Indian families. His statement, “I observed families on scooters, the father driving, with his young kid standing in front, his wife sitting behind, holding a little baby. That’s what led me to design the Nano,” highlights his profound empathy for the common man.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Unseen Battles
Despite his towering achievements, Ratan Tata faced several challenges, both within his organization and the larger market. The hostile reception from some Tata Group stalwarts when he initiated the restructuring of the conglomerate in the 1990s was a major hurdle. His decision to phase out several non-performing businesses and focus on high-growth sectors was met with significant resistance. However, his determination to modernize and diversify paid off in the long run, catapulting Tata into the echelons of global conglomerates.
Another significant challenge was the controversial ousting of Cyrus Mistry as the Chairman of Tata Sons in 2016, which led to a public battle over the control and direction of the Tata Group. Although the situation was fraught with legal and media scrutiny, Ratan Tata navigated the crisis with his characteristic grace and resilience, ensuring that the integrity of the group remained intact.
Leaders on Ratan Tata
In the world of business and industry, few transcend their roles as mere entrepreneurs to become beacons of inspiration and agents of change. Ratan Tata’s influence and impact have not only been acknowledged by business leaders but also by global statesmen. Former U.S. President Barack Obama once remarked, “Ratan Tata is not just a businessman; he is a builder of communities. He understands that a company’s legacy is measured not in profits but in the lives it changes.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while consoling his death, called him “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being” who provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. Modi said Ratan Tata’s contribution went far beyond the boardroom. “He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” he said. About his own association with Ratan Tata, Modi said, “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi”.
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, said, “Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energized.”
Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, remarked, “Ratan Tata was a true statesman who always prioritized the welfare of society and the progress of our nation. His dedication to Maharashtra and his immense contributions to the industrial landscape have left an everlasting impact.”
The Unfulfilled Honour: A Bharat Ratna in Spirit
Ratan Tata has often been called the “uncrowned king of Indian business,” a title that he wore with grace and humility. But the glaring omission of the Bharat Ratna—the highest civilian award in India—from his list of accolades is a matter that has left many in dismay. Ratan Tata’s life work has been more than deserving of this honour, not just for his business prowess but for his humanity and unwavering dedication to the upliftment of society.
His philosophy that “wealth should be used to serve the people” was not just rhetoric but a principle that guided every decision he made. He was a titan who built businesses and institutions that improved lives, promoted education, and championed healthcare and rural development. His actions were his strongest advocacy for why he deserves to be honoured as the Bharat Ratna—the jewel of India.
Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in Gold
Ratan Tata’s legacy is not just carved in the buildings, factories, or brands that bear the Tata name; it is etched in the hearts of millions who have been touched by his vision, kindness, and commitment to social good. He leaves behind a blueprint for what it means to be a true leader—one who does not just lead businesses but leads with purpose, integrity, and compassion.
His passing is not merely a loss to the corporate world; it is a loss to humanity itself. Ratan Tata once said, “I have always believed that a leader should be humble enough to serve others first.” In his life and through his actions, he did exactly that—he served not just his company or country, but humanity as a whole.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary luminary, we must not merely remember him for what he built, but for what he stood for—a vision of a better world, led by values, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to uplift those who need the most. Ratan Tata may not have received the Bharat Ratna, but he will always be the nation’s true gem—India’s Ratna in every sense of the word.
*The writer is a seasoned journalist, author, TV commentator and Founder of the Commonwealth Thought Leaders Forum.
