Ratan Tata Passes Away: Lesser Known Facts About India's National Icon

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 86.

"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," a statement from N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, confirmed the news of his death.

"For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," Chandrasekaran added.

Lesser Known Facts About Him

• Among the lesser-known aspects of his life is the fact that Ratan Tata, despite coming close to marriage four times, remains unmarried. His personal life saw a significant moment when, during his stay in Los Angeles, he fell deeply in love. However, the 1962 Indo-China War led to objections from the girl's parents about her moving to India, which ultimately prevented the marriage. This is just one of many facets of Tata's life that blend the personal with the professional, illustrating the depth of character behind the public figure.

• Ratan Tata's educational background laid a strong foundation for his future success. He attended Campion School in Mumbai until the eighth grade before moving to the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai, and then to Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. His pursuit of knowledge took him overseas, where he obtained a diploma from Riverdale Country School in New York City in 1955. Furthering his studies, Tata is an alumnus of both Harvard Business School and Cornell University College of Architecture.

• Tata began his illustrious career at Tata Group in 1961, initially working on the shop floor of Tata Steel. This hands-on beginning was pivotal to his understanding of the business's operations. His leadership saw the company making significant global strides, notably with the acquisitions of key international brands such as Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley. Another landmark achievement under his guidance was the introduction of the Tata Nano car in 2009, priced at a mere Rs 1 lakh, making it the most affordable car in India, aimed at the middle class.

• Ratan Tata's philanthropic initiatives are as impactful as his business ventures. Under his leadership, the Tata Group has made substantial contributions to education, including a $28 million Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell University to assist Indian undergraduate students. Furthermore, in 2010, Tata Group's $50 million donation led to the creation of Tata Hall at Harvard Business School. The Tata Center for Technology and Design at IIT Bombay, established with a donation of Rs 95 crore in 2014, is another testament to his commitment to supporting education and innovation.

• A heartwarming tradition that Ratan Tata continues is the Bombay House's policy of sheltering stray dogs during the monsoon season, a practice initiated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata. After recent renovations, the headquarters now includes a dedicated kennel for these strays, complete with food, water, toys, and a play area, showcasing Tata's compassion for animals.

Ratan Tata's life story is not just about his unparalleled success in business but also his humanitarian efforts and personal values that have made him an inspirational figure worldwide. His contributions to industry and society have earned him recognition and respect globally, making him a true icon in every sense.