Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
India Bids Farewell to Ratan Tata with a State Funeral: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy
India mourned the loss of one of its greatest business icons, Ratan Tata, as the nation held a state funeral in his honor following his death at the age of 86. The former chairman of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates, passed away earlier in the week after being hospitalized. His death marked the end of an era in Indian business, and his contributions to industry and society have left a lasting legacy.
Ratan Tata’s funeral took place in Mumbai, with thousands of people from across the country and various walks of life coming to pay their respects. Business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and ordinary citizens gathered at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), where his body lay in state before being cremated. The funeral procession was marked with a military salute, a fitting tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond the business world. His casket, draped in the Indian national flag and adorned with wreaths of white flowers, symbolized the respect and admiration he had earned throughout his lifetime.
Among the high profile figures present at the funeral were industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. Notably, even Tata’s beloved dog, Goa, whom he had rescued from the streets of Goa state, attended the ceremony, accompanied by two Tata Group employees. The presence of his loyal pet, a testament to Tata's compassion for animals, was a poignant reminder of his humane and empathetic nature.
Maharashtra Declares a Day of Mourning
In recognition of Ratan Tata’s immense contributions to India’s industrial and social development, the state of Maharashtra declared a day of mourning. The tribute highlighted the deep connection Tata had with Mumbai, the city where he spent much of his life and led Tata Group’s transformation into a global powerhouse.
The emotional farewell to Tata reflected not just the loss of a visionary leader but also the end of an era for the Tata Group, a conglomerate that has shaped India’s economy for over 150 years. Under his leadership, Tata Group’s revenues soared, and the company became one of India’s most internationally recognized brands. The Tata name is synonymous with trust, quality, and ethical business practices, qualities that Ratan Tata championed throughout his career.
The Rise of a Global Conglomerate
Ratan Tata took over the reins of the Tata Group in 1991, succeeding JRD Tata, who had led the conglomerate for over five decades. When Ratan assumed leadership, the Tata Group was already a well-established name in India, but his vision was to make it a global player. During his 20-year tenure as chairman, Tata Group expanded aggressively into international markets, acquiring some of the world’s most well-known companies.
Among the group’s most high profile acquisitions were the 2007 purchase of the UK-based steelmaker Corus, the acquisition of British car brands Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) in 2008, and the purchase of Tetley Tea, the second-largest tea company in the world. These deals helped establish Tata Group’s presence on the global stage and demonstrated Ratan Tata’s ambition to build an Indian multinational that could compete with the best in the world.
However, not all of Tata’s ventures were successful. His push to create the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano, failed to meet market expectations and ultimately flopped. The company also faced challenges in the telecommunications sector. But despite these setbacks, Ratan Tata’s risk-taking and forward-thinking leadership solidified his reputation as one of the world’s most respected business leaders.
Under his guidance, Tata Group’s annual revenues crossed $100 billion, making it one of the largest business conglomerates in the world, with operations spanning diverse industries from steel and automotive to IT services and consumer products. Today, Tata Group includes over 100 companies, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Steel, and Tata Motors being some of its flagship businesses.
Ratan Tata: The Man Behind the Success
Born in 1937 into a prominent Parsi family, Ratan Tata was destined to be part of the family business. However, his rise to leadership was not without challenges. After studying architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University, he joined Tata Industries in 1962 as an assistant and spent his early years working at the company’s steel plant in Jamshedpur, gaining hands-on experience in the industry.
Despite his background, Ratan Tata remained modest and shy throughout his life, known for his humility and simple lifestyle. In an era when many business leaders courted the media and enjoyed the limelight, Tata preferred to remain behind the scenes, quietly steering the company forward with his thoughtful leadership.
Ratan Tata was not only a visionary businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. He used his wealth and influence to give back to society in numerous ways, championing causes related to health, education, and animal welfare. Under his leadership, Tata Group significantly increased its charitable contributions, and Tata Trusts, which owns a majority stake in the conglomerate, continues to fund various philanthropic initiatives across India.
One of his most personal commitments was to animal welfare. An avid animal lover, Tata was known for rescuing stray dogs, and his concern for animals extended to many of the initiatives he supported. His compassion for the underprivileged and marginalized, combined with his dedication to building institutions that would uplift society, made him one of India’s most beloved public figures.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
Ratan Tata’s contributions to Indian society and industry were recognized with numerous honors throughout his lifetime. In 2008, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service to the nation. Tata’s leadership style, marked by integrity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the greater good, has left an indelible mark on India’s business landscape.
Upon his death, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tata as a "visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being." Modi’s tribute echoed the sentiments of millions of people who admired Ratan Tata for his commitment to ethical business practices and his dedication to improving the lives of others.
A Quiet Goodbye
As the nation mourned, Tata’s family, friends, and colleagues reflected on the man behind the success. Despite his vast achievements, Ratan Tata remained grounded and focused on the future. He once described JRD Tata, his predecessor and mentor, as being "like a father and a brother to me." Much like JRD, Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to shape the future of Tata Group and inspire future generations of leaders.
For many, Ratan Tata’s greatest legacy is not the wealth he created or the global empire he built, but the values he upheld—integrity, compassion, and a belief that businesses should exist not just to make a profit but to improve society. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life, but his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
As his casket, draped in the Indian flag, was carried away amidst the solemn farewell, it was clear that Ratan Tata had earned a place not only in the annals of business history but also in the hearts of millions of Indians who saw him as a symbol of what true leadership and compassion can achieve.
