• Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away at 86, sparking global tributes.
• Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra lauded Tata's business and philanthropic legacy.
• Tata's leadership led to Tata Group's global expansion and commitment to social causes.
• His passing leaves a significant void, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The world of business and philanthropy is mourning the loss of a titan, Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, who passed away at the age of 86. The news of his demise has sent shockwaves across the globe, with tributes pouring in from prominent business leaders, politicians, and the public alike.

Ratan Tata, a legendary industrialist and philanthropist, was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and was in critical condition in the intensive care unit. Despite the severity of his condition, the Tata Group did not confirm or deny the reports of him being put on life-support systems.

Prior to his hospitalization, Tata had mentioned undergoing routine medical examinations for age-related health concerns.

Global Tributes Pour In

The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief and respect from the global business community. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, recalling his last interaction with Ratan Tata, expressed his deep condolences. He remembered their discussion about the progress of Waymo, Google's self-driving car project, and how Tata's vision was inspiring.

Pichai lauded Tata's extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy, and his instrumental role in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India. He emphasized that Tata deeply cared about making India better.

Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of the Mahindra Group, expressed his inability to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. He acknowledged Tata's significant contribution to India's economy, stating that his life and work had much to do with India's current position on the cusp of a historic leap forward. Mahindra also highlighted Tata's commitment to using financial wealth and success for the service of the global community.

Tata's Global Impact and Philanthropy

Ratan Tata's leadership was instrumental in the Tata Group's global expansion. Under his guidance, the group made several landmark acquisitions, including British tea giant Tetley in 2000, Corus Steel in 2007, and the prestigious automotive brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. These acquisitions solidified the Tata Group's standing on the world stage. Tata's commitment to innovation was evident in his promise to make the world's cheapest car accessible to the middle class.

The Tata Nano, priced at ₹ 1 lakh, became a symbol of innovation and affordability. However, due to low sales, the company stopped production in 2018. Beyond his business acumen, Tata was known for his philanthropy and commitment to social causes. He championed education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare. His love for animals, particularly dogs, was well-known, and he ensured that Bombay House, the Tata group's headquarters, remained a haven for stray dogs.

Tata's passing has left a void in the business world, but his legacy continues to inspire. His unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation has left an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. His leadership ensured that the Tata Group expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.

The Maharashtra government declared a day of mourning in the state to pay tributes to Ratan Tata. His mortal remains were kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai, and his last rites were performed in the Worli area of Mumbai.

Ratan Tata's life and work have left a lasting impact on the world. His vision, leadership, and philanthropy have shaped the course of the Tata Group and the Indian economy. His passing is a significant loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As Anand Mahindra aptly put it, "Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die... Om Shanti."