A former Cornell trustee, Tata became the university’s largest international donor, supporting initiatives like scholarships, agricultural research to combat rural poverty and malnutrition in India, and fostering technological innovation.
Cornell University, in an article remembering him, emphasised how Tata credited his architectural training at Cornell for helping him succeed in business. He learned to approach challenges creatively and from multiple angles—skills that served him well throughout his career.
Interim Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff highlighted Tata’s legacy, stating, "Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary mark on India, the world, and Cornell, which he cared deeply about." Kotlikoff praised Tata’s humility, noting how his generosity impacted millions of people in India and beyond, through education and healthcare initiatives.
In 2017, Cornell leaders, along with officials from Tata Consultancy Services and New York City, celebrated the opening of the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech’s Roosevelt Island campus. Tata's involvement with Cornell led to the creation of significant projects, including the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, initiated in 2008 with a $50 million gift from Tata Trusts. This gift also funded the Tata Scholarship for Indian students, and since its establishment, 305 scholarships have been awarded to 89 Indian students, particularly from non-traditional feeder schools.
Tata's philanthropy extended beyond education. In 2017, another $50 million from Tata Consultancy Services helped establish the Tata Innovation Center, promoting technological research and development. His design and engineering background also played a key role in launching Tata Motors' Tata Nano in 2008, then the world's most affordable car, aimed at improving safety for low-income drivers.
Reflecting on his time at Cornell during a reunion documentary, Tata recounted his dislike of Ithaca winters, his passion for flying, and a memorable emergency landing he executed while piloting a Tri-Pacer plane as a student. He also discussed the challenges international students faced back then, at a time when very few students came from India—a gap his scholarship program sought to bridge.
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Cornell's J. Meejin Yoon, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, remarked, "Ratan’s visionary leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to humanity had a profound impact, advancing education and research in multiple sectors." She expressed deep admiration for his optimism and generosity, qualities that uplifted countless lives across India and the world.
Tata's words from his 50th reunion encapsulate his philosophy: "The miles of tracing paper we wasted on one concept after another taught us perseverance. We tried, improved, and reconceived—just as in business."
(Inputs from PTI)
