Ratan Tata, one of the world's most loved and influential industrialists, never made it onto any billionaire list despite overseeing the Tata Group's remarkable diversification from salt to steel, software, automobiles, and aviation. Ratan Tata oversaw more than 30 companies operating in over 100 countries across six continents, yet he lived a remarkably unpretentious life.
A true philanthropist at heart, Ratan Tata embodied the values of his great-grandfather and founder, Jamshetji Tata. He believed that businesses should extend their focus beyond corporate interests to benefit the communities they serve. According to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List of 2022, he ranked 421 with an estimated net worth of Rs 3,800 crore.
During Ratan Tata's tenure, the Tata Trusts established and enhanced ten cancer care facilities in Assam, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, ensuring that world-class treatment is accessible to those in need.
Ratan Tata was pivotal in guiding the Tata Trusts to address essential social needs, establishing institutes of excellence such as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and supporting educational initiatives throughout India. As emeritus chairman of Tata Sons, he embraced a new mission, actively mentoring young 21st-century entrepreneurs and investing in innovative tech-driven startups poised to shape the country's future.
In his personal capacity and through his investment firm RNT Capital Advisors, Ratan Tata invested in over 30 startups, including Ola Electric, Paytm, Snapdeal, Lenskart, and Zivame. His charitable spirit extended beyond people; as a dog lover, Tata once declared that stray dogs outside the Tata Group's headquarters, Bombay House in downtown Mumbai, should be given shelter.
Ratan Tata took his last breath on Wednesday at the age of 86 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. He was one of India's most loved and celebrated industrialists, and people worldwide are mourning his sudden death.
ALSO READ | Ratan Tata's Succession: Who Will Lead The Tata Legacy?