Business Titan Ratan Tata

Monoswini Sarmah

” I don’t believe in taking

right decisions. I take decisions

and make them right.”

– Ratan Tata

Ratan Naval Tata was a prominent Industrialist, philanthropist, former chairman of Tata group, known for his significant contribution to the business landscape and his philanthropic efforts. Ratan Naval Tata was born on 28 December 1937. Ratan Tata is the son of Naval Tata and Sooni Commissariat. They got separated when Ratan Tata was 10 years old.

He was then formally adopted by his grandmother Navajbai Tata through the J. N. Petit Parsi Orphanage. Ratan Tata was raised with his half-brother Noel Tata (son of Naval Tata and Simone Tata). His early schooling was done in Mumbai at Campion School and John Connon School. He received his degree in Architecture with structural engineering from Cornell University, U.S.A. In 1975 he completed an advanced management programme at the Harvard Business school.

His professional journey began when he got a job at an architectural firm in Los Angeles. He worked there for about two years. Years later, he made up his mind to move back to India. Ratan Tata moved to Jamshedpur to pursue his first internship at Tata Motors.

He spent around 6 years in Jamshedpur and realized that architecture eventually became a hobby for him as he devoted himself to the business and pursued his architectural interests by designing homes for his mom and himself. The actual breakthrough happened in Ratan Tata’s professional journey when his grandfather JRD Tata stepped down from the throne as the chairman of Tata Industries.

He brought international fame to the Tata Group during his time as a Chairman from 1991-2012 and his role was instrumental in bringing many revolutionary reforms. He went on to lead many successful ventures like the launch of Indica, and Nano as well as many historical mergers like Tata Motors with Land Rover Jaguar, Tata Tea with Tetley as well as Tata Steel with Corus.

The Tata family’s generous contributions to the educational ecosystem of the country have set a remarkable example. Some of the noted and vibrant educational institutions by the Tata Group are Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.

Ratan Tata built a legacy way bigger than his businesses by supporting innovation and helping the country when it needed it the most during Covid19. Tata’s philanthropic activities through Tata Trusts, one of India’s oldest charitable institutions, have evolved under his leadership to focus on a range of social issues. Under his leadership, the Trusts have contributed to healthcare, education, rural development, water, sanitation, hygiene, and skill development.

Ratan Tat’s some game changing achievements are Making Tata tea second largest tea company globally, Tata Steel one of the largest tea producer globally, launch of Tata Nano and it make world cheapest car, Tata motors acquired Jaguar land rover acquisition, Battle with Cyrus Mistry, Ratan Tat’s appointment of N. Chandrashekhran as his successor, winning back Air India, driving the establishment of cancer hospital and charitable initiatives, making Jamshedpur steel city of India.

It’s so appreciable that 66% of Tata group profit goes to social services. There are more than 100 companies under Tata. In 1968, Tata Consultancy services (TCS) founded. Which is second largest employer in India. The company achieved great financial success, and the Tata Group reached the New York Stock Exchange.

In December 2012, on his 75th birthday, Ratan Tata resigned as chairman of Tata Group. Post-retirement, he invested in over 53 startups, including Ola, Ant- Financial, and YourStory, demonstrating his support for India’s burgeoning digital economy.

He achieved prestigious award Assam Baibhav (2021), Padma Vibhushan (2008), Maharashtra Bhushan (2006), and Padma Bhushan (2000).

Ratan Tata is unmarried. He maintains a low-profile lifestyle. He owns a simple house in Mumbai and drives a Tata Sedan. Despite his immense wealth, he was characterized by modesty and a commitment to philanthropy.

Ratan Tata often emphasizes the importance of resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership for the youth. He encourages young people to pursue their passions, embrace challenges, and contribute positively to society. Tata believes in the potential of youth to drive change and urges them to remain curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning.

He also highlights the significance of giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact in the world. We Indians can remember Ratan Tata by honouring his legacy. Indians can keep Ratan Tata’s spirit and contributions alive.

Monoswini Sarmah is a budding young writer from Shivasagar, Assam, India

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