Ratan Tata, the Emeritus Chairman of Tata Sons, is dead. He was 86. Days earlier, he took to social media to address speculations over his health, saying he had been doing routine medical check-ups due to age.
In a late-night statement, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed Tata’s death. He praised Tata for his exceptional leadership and commitment to integrity and innovation. “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a true leader whose contributions shaped the Tata Group and the nation,” said Chandrasekaran.
Tributes quickly flowed in after the announcement; the country’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, hailed Tata as “a visionary business leader and a compassionate soul.” Rahul Gandhi said Tata had an immense impact on corporate and philanthropic sectors, while businessman Gautam Adani said Tata was a giant who redesigned contemporary India.
Mukesh Ambani said he was “deeply saddened” and described Tata as one of the most illustrious Indians. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said Tata mentored the leading businessmen of modern India.
Ratan Tata was the head of the Tata Group between 1991 and 2012 and oversaw the introduction of the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car. He was highly respected for his philanthropy and service toward various societal causes.
