Ratan Tata passed away last night following a brief illness. At 86, he had cemented his place as one of India’s best-known businessmen, building the Tata Group into the behemoth it is today. While Ratan Tata was one of India’s most successful businessmen, he was also one of its most beloved. Tributes to Ratan Tata began pouring in hours after his death.
PM Modi had had a long relationship with Ratan Tata, helping him move his Tata Motors factory to Gujarat from West Bengal when he was Chief Minister. “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being,” PM Modi posted on X. “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,” he added.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also penned his tributes. “The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation. Was my privilege to have interacted with him on numerous occasions. And benefitted from his vision and insights. Join the nation in mourning his demise. Om shanti,” he posted on X.
Tributes also came in from other prominent businesspersons. “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti,” wrote Gautam Adani.
“The clock has stopped ticking,” wrote RPG Enterpries’ Harsh Goenka. “The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P,” he added.
International business leaders also paid their respects. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai recalled his interactions with Ratan Tata. “My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” he said.
Ratan Tata had also become involved in Indian startups in the last decade of his life, and had backed many companies. Tributes flowed in from the startup space as well. “India has lost one of its greatest titans, a true statesman of industry,” wrote Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl. “Mr. Ratan Tata was more than just a business leader—his compassion, humility, and kindness inspired millions. His legacy will live on forever. You will be deeply missed, Mr. Tata,” he added.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu also paid his respects. “Ratan-ji Tata is a major inspiration for me for his long term thinking and social impact. He will be deeply missed. Om Shanti,” he posted on X.
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said he was fortunate to spend some time with him. “In his life, and demise, Mr Ratan Tata has moved the nation. I was fortunate to spend time with him, but millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today. Such is his impact. From his love for animals to philanthropy, he showed that true progress can only be achieved when we care for those who don’t have the means to take care of themselves. Rest in peace, Mr Tata. Your legacy will continue to live through the institutions you built and values that you embraced,” he wrote.
And Ratan Tata’s alma mater also wrote him a message. “Ratan Tata ’59, B.Arch. ’62, the university’s most generous international donor and one of India’s most respected business leaders and philanthropists, passed Oct. 9. We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell,” Cornell’s X account wrote.
It’s not every day that a businessman’s death results in tributes ranging from people from such diverse walks of life, but Ratan Tata was no ordinary businessman. He’d not only helped build the Tata Group into the salt to steel behemoth it is today, but he’d also won plaudits for his philanthropy and simple living. Ratan Tata’s death has left a void in India’s business space, and left a path for entrepreneurs of future generations to walk and emulate.