Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of the biggest conglomerates in India, passed away at 86 on Wednesday, October 9. Tata, a recipient of Padma Vibhushan, breathed his last at south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm.


"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement.


Chandrasekaran said Tata, a friend, mentor and guide, led by example and had an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. 


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Ratan Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and development of society touched the lives of millions and will benefit generations to come, Chandrasekharan added.






Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Tata, describing him as a visionary business leader, compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.  


He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in a “critical” condition on Monday (October 7) morning. Earlier on Monday, Tata, known for his philanthropy besides being a respected industry leader, had asserted that there was no cause for concern regarding his health and he was undergoing check-ups for age-related medical conditions.


The veteran industrialist was highly respected for his values by the public and the business world. In 1991, he took over the reins of the Tata Group, founded by his great-grandfather Jamsetji Tata. Under his leadership, the company grew into a massive empire, which is said to be worth $100 billion. 


He retired from the chairman’s position in December 2012 and was succeeded by Cyrus Mistry, who passed away in 2022 in a car accident. After retirement, Ratan Tata was conferred the title of chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals. 


Besides this, Ratan Tata was on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase and also led the Tata group’s charitable trusts. In 2008, he received the second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibushan, from the Government of India.