Ratan Tata, a towering figure in Indian industry and one of the country’s most respected business leaders, passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian business and philanthropy. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Tata will be cremated with full state honours, with Thursday declared a day of mourning in the state to commemorate his immense contributions to India’s economy and society.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast across Maharashtra government offices, and several scheduled events have been cancelled as a mark of respect. Tata’s body will be placed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai for public homage, with his cremation to follow at Worli. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently traveling for ASEAN summits, expressed his deep grief, calling Tata a “visionary leader and a compassionate soul.”
Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata was a scion of one of India’s most illustrious business families. His great-grandfather, Jamsetji Tata, founded the Tata Group in 1868. Ratan Tata inherited a legacy of industrial excellence, but he carved his own path by modernizing and expanding the family business into a global conglomerate.
Tata’s leadership style was shaped by hands-on experience early in his career, notably working on the shop floor of Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur plant. In 1991, he succeeded his uncle, J.R.D. Tata, as chairman of the Tata Group, just as India was liberalizing its economy. Under his guidance, the conglomerate embraced international expansion, technological innovation, and ethical leadership. Landmark moments included the 2000 acquisition of Tetley Tea, the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, and the creation of the Tata Nano, which aimed to make car ownership affordable for millions of Indians.
While Tata is best known for his industrial achievements, his legacy extends far beyond the boardroom. His philanthropic work, primarily channelled through the Tata Trusts, touched countless lives across India. One of his lesser-known yet impactful contributions was his work in fisheries development, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving rural livelihoods.
In 2016, Tata Trusts launched the Open Source Fisheries Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at transitioning rural communities in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra from traditional “capture fisheries” to more sustainable “culture fisheries.” The project sought to triple the incomes of fish farmers by providing them with scientific training, low-cost infrastructure, and cooperative marketing strategies. This initiative helped over 22,000 households, many from marginalized tribal communities, unlock the potential of their freshwater resources.
Tata’s approach to fisheries extended beyond just improving income. The project also emphasized ecological sustainability, using resources like low-cost cages and fish seed nurseries, and promoting allied activities like poultry farming and pond-based agriculture. Under his guidance, these initiatives transformed the lives of fish farmers who previously had little knowledge of scientific fish farming.
Tata Power, another entity under his leadership, also made significant contributions to fisheries conservation, particularly through the mahseer breeding program. Launched in 1986, the program focused on the golden and blue-fin mahseer, helping to bring the endangered species back from the brink of extinction. The company worked with state fisheries departments and students, cementing Ratan Tata’s dedication to ecological preservation alongside industrial progress.
Ratan Tata’s philanthropy wasn’t confined to fisheries. His conservation efforts included the Save the Whale Shark campaign, initiated by Tata Chemicals in 2004 in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India. This project rescued and released over 500 whale sharks back into the sea, highlighting his commitment to both land and marine conservation.
After stepping down as chairman of Tata Sons in 2012, Tata continued to be a mentor and investor in young entrepreneurs, leaving an indelible mark on India’s start-up ecosystem. He invested in over 30 start-ups, including Paytm, Ola Electric, and Lenskart, through his firm RNT Capital Advisors.
Ratan Tata leaves behind a towering legacy of industrial brilliance, quiet dignity, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of India’s people. His visionary leadership touched industries ranging from steel to automobiles, but perhaps most notably, it transformed the lives of India’s rural and tribal communities through his lesser-known yet equally impactful work in fisheries and sustainable development.
As the nation mourns his passing, Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, reminding them of the power of ethical leadership, compassion, and the ability to bring about meaningful change across society.
