Ratan Tata(age 86) said goodbye to this world on 9 October 2024. Ratan Tata was not just a name, but a true and humble human being. A great businessman, philanthropist and personality whose success story is one of a kind and sets an example for the new generation. In his journey, he gave Tata Group great heights not only in India but also in a global one.
“I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person less.” Mr. Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata – Introduction
Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s second and third highest civilian award in 2000 and 2008. His contribution was not limited to just business, but his dream of improving and empowering the society was reflected in his actions. His humility, dedication, and philosophical vision showed the world what real leadership is.
From 1990 to 2012, he was the Chairman of Tata Group and served as interim chairman from October 2016 to February 2017. Tata Group, founded in 1868, is India’s most famous multinational company, with its headquarters in Mumbai. The company operates in various sectors, such as IT, automobile, steel, telecommunications and many other industries.
Childhood and Early Life
In Bombay on 28 December 1937, Ratan Tata was born. his parents was son of Naval Tata and Sooni Tata. He belongs to the Parsi Zoroastrian family. he learned much more from his father, Naval Tata, who was adopted by the Tata family. Ratanji Tata’s father was Jamsetji Tata, who was the founder of the Tata family, and who started the great legacy. Even today this tradition is alive. he has a step-brother, Noel Tata.
From Ratan Tata’s childhood onwards, his parents started living separately. Which made him and his brother suffer. In such a situation, he and his brother got the support of their great grandmother, Navajbai Tata. Navajbai was like a mother and father for them. His grandmother had a lot to do with the success of his life.
He joined his school from Campion School which till 8th grade. He then continued at Cathedral and John Canon School, Mumbai. For higher studies, he joined Cornell University (prestigious Ivy League university). From there he completed in architecture of structural engineering. In 1975, she also successfully completed Harvard Business School’s advanced management program. he achieved these achievements as a result of his grandmother’s blessings and his hard work and passion.
In 2008, Proof of his generous heart, Ratan Tata gived $50 million to Cornell University. In history, It was the largest international donation for a university. Ratan Tata could never marry. He had invited his future partner to come to India, but at that time the situation of Indo-China war was prevailing in India, due to which even his parents were not happy. After all this, he did not reach the point of marriage.
Career
His journey started when he joined Tata in 1961, which was quite surprising. They dug stones and worked on the furnaces, along with other labourers. This work was quite stressful and difficult, but they gained experience and community from this family business.
In 1991, After J.R.D. , Ratan Tata took over as the chairman of Tata Sons. Due to JRD Tata’s freehand operation, he had to face significant opposition from CEOs of many organizations, who became quite powerful. But, they faced other resistance. Under his administration, research and innovation were given high importance and the next generation was given more importance.
Ratan Tata – Success in life
The company made huge financial gains and Tata Samooh was included in the list of New York Stock Exchanges. Due to his sharp mind, they became successful. he took over the management of companies like Jaguar, Land Rover and Tetalee, and his contribution in creating the global brand was significant.
successful business is only when it does some good for the society, said Ratan Tata. Ratan Tata had always given his services wholeheartedly during natural calamities and had also extended his full support in the construction of schools and hospitals.
Ratan Tata had proved himself as a successful businessman. His visionary thinking has not only changed the lifestyle of the common man but has also taken his thinking to new heights. His big statement was Taata Naino which made a lower-class consumer think. A family that dreams and lives of its own house and its own car. The money has reached only Rs 1 lakh in his budget. These 5 people can easily travel with their families.
Ratan Tata truly transformed Indian business. His hard work has given us inspiration. Tata Nano was a thought that connects him with the middle and poor class. Tata Nano bridged the gap between the rich and the middle class. Made every family’s dream of owning a car come true. His vision shows that we want to create such a world so that we can listen to everyone’s development.
Promoting “Make in India“
Ratan Tata gave full support in bringing forward a movement when it had not even created a national slogan. That slogan is “Make in India“. His country’s party leadership and vision brought trade revolution in India. Under him, Tata Group expanded significantly in international markets and brought Indian companies to a global platform.
Retirement
Ratan Tata retired on 28 December 2012, when he was 75 years old. But Ratan Tata again took up the responsibility as interim chairman. After him, the responsibility of Tata was handed over to Cyrus Mistry. But there was an internal opposition due to which Mistry had to resign in 2016.
In January 2017, Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed chairman of the Tata Group, and Ratan Tata chose him as his successor.
Subsequently, Ratan Tata headed Tata Trusts and Tata Sons, both of which were his dream to become the second person after JRD Tata to head both the institutions. His passion to work even at his age set a good example for others.
Honours
He had received award for his contribution, given below:
1. 2000
Padma Bhushan, Government of India
2. 2001
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Ohio State University
3. 2004
Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, London School of Economics and Political Science(LSE)
4. 2007
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace awarded the industrialist the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
5.2008
Padma Vibhushan, Government of India
6.2008
he received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from The University of Cambridge
7.2008
In 2008, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and Kharagpur gave award the honorary degree of Doctor of Science
8.2008
Honorary Citizen Award, Government of Singapore
9.2008
The Institution of Engineering and Technology gave him an Honorary Fellowship
10.2008
Indian Affairs India Leadership Conclave awarded him with the Inspired Leadership Award
11.2013
he received Inspired Leadership Award from Indian Affairs India Leadership Conclave
12.2013
Carnegie Mellon University gave Ratan Tata the degree of Honorary Doctor of Business Practice
13.2014
Singapore Management University gave Ratan Tata with Honorary Doctor of Business degree.
14.2014
Sayaji Ratna Award, Baroda Management Association
15.2014
Queen Elizabeth 2nd awarded Ratan Tata the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
16.2014
Honorary Doctor of Laws York University, Canada
17. 2015
Honorary Doctor of Automotive Engineering Clemson University
18.2015
Baroda Management Association, Honoris Causa, Hec Paris honored Ratan Tata with the Sayaji Ratna Award.
19.2016
he received the Commander of the Legion of Honour from The Government of France
20.2018
Honorary Doctorate Swansea University
21.2021
Assam Baibhav Government of Assam
22.2022
Honorary Doctorate of Literature HSNC University
23.2023
King Charles II awarded him the title of Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia
24.2023
Udyog Ratna Government of Maharashtra
Conclusion
Ratan Tata’s entire life is made up of showing courage and making his life a goal to positively influence everyone. His contemplation on greatness, humanity and harmony has given rise to the individual soul and the corporation’s single-minded love for society and its responsibility towards society had given them this result.
Tata Sans runs the Tata Trust in which he had made many contributions to noble causes like rural development, health and education. There is no limit to his generosity and this is proof of his deep devotion towards society. There was a glimpse of simplicity in his personal life. Despite his immense wealth, he lived a simple life, he was known for his love for dogs and living for others.
Frequently asked questions?
Q. How did Ratan Tata become successful?
Ans. This was the story of Ratan Tata’s success and was a testament to his courage, dreams and humanity. Even though the Tata family was a family, they not only built a business empire but also followed an example of stewardship and responsibility. which made him a successful person.
Q. What is the religion of Ratan Ji Tata?
Ans. He’s religion was Parsi Zoroastrian. But He always showed His love and respect for the people of every religion, caste and community. .For him humanity was the biggest religion, and this is what makes him a great person.
Q. Why was Ratan Tata so special?
Ans. What makes Ratan Tata so special was that he was different in the world because of his care for business as well as the party work of other destitute. He not only took the business to the heights but also created a strong bond of action in people’s minds through the medium of that business.
Q. Who is the CEO of Tata Group?
Ans. The CEO of Tata Group is Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who took over as chairman of Tata Sons in January 2017.
Q. Who did Ratan Tata marry?
Ans. It is an interesting and heart-warming thing that he never married. He had thought of marriage in his life but due to some personal issues he never married.
Q. Does Ratan Tata have a son?
Ans. The biggest thing about his life is that he never married. He kept his life quite limited, he focused his entire attention on the cause and service of others.