Ratan Tata breathes his last ::: Under his stewardship, Tatas expanded reach and revenues soared to over USD 100 billion by 2011-12.

"My fear is that the same people who are asking for liberalisation will scream for protection again." Why? 

"There will be bloodshed.... If anyone thinks that it can be done without pain, they're fooling themselves." - Ratan Tata in 1985 

 Ratan Tata took over as the chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its reach and diversified its interests, with revenues soaring to nearly USD 85 billion by 2011.

Photo: India Today 

Ratan Naval Tata, the visionary former chairman of Tata Sons, died on October 9 at the age of 86. A giant of Indian industry, Ratan Tata's leadership transformed the salt-to-steel Tata Group conglomerate into a global powerhouse.

Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 1962 and began his career in the family business shortly after. 

He took over as chairman in 1991 during a challenging period for the group, which then had revenues of just USD 5.8 billion. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its reach and diversified its interests, with revenues soaring to over USD 100 billion by 2011-12.  

Throughout his tenure, Ratan Tata was instrumental in acquiring international companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, and established Tata Group as a prominent player in sectors such as steel, automobiles, telecommunications, and information technology.

He also supported economic liberalisation in the 1980s. 

In an 1985 interview, Ratan Tata had said:

"What is necessary is a high-powered entity in the prime minister's office charged with making sure that the policies are being implemented. 

Otherwise a great discredit can be done to the Government. It is not policies that aren't working but policies that aren't being implemented."

  

1990 

"A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. 

His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe," President Droupadi Murmu said. 

"Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his 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," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also praised Tata for his commitment to philanthropy and social causes, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare.