Ratan Tata, one of the most prolific industrial leaders, a true patriot and nation builder is no more. Aged 86, he breathed his last on 9^th October, 2024, a sorrowful day not only for the house of Tata and the corporate world, but for the entire nation, and even beyond. India mourns for her ‘Anmol (priceless) Ratan’ who had been honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan awards, but surely also more than deserved the Bharat Ratna.

The Government of Maharashtra had awarded him the Udyog Ratna in 2023 and has accorded a state funeral for this scion of the Tata family. The respect and admiration that he commanded in life saw thousands throng to pay their last respects at the NCPA grounds in Mumbai, where his mortal remains were kept in a portable cold storage mortuary till 4:00 pm. As per his wishes, his last rites were conducted at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai with full state honours, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, alongside India’s eminent personalities, including corporate leaders and celebrities from all fields.

Words fail us as we make a humble attempt to pay tribute to a such a man. He has been described in many ways – industrialist, visionary, doyen, philanthropist, but more importantly, all those who had the honour of having experienced time with him, lauded him for his compassionate humanity and humility. As Prime Minister Shri Narendar Modi eulogised, “…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 was the architect of the expansion of the Tata group and indeed had received a degree in architecture from Cornell University as well as a business degree from Harvard. He was not one to pull rank and when he joined the Tatas, even though he was JRD’s nephew, he started from the bottom-up, on the shop floor. In 1991, he succeeded JRD as the chairman of the Tata Group. His business acumen saw the Tatas launch an aggressive expansion, both in India and across the world.

Eminent brands like Jaguar and Land Rover were added to the Tata stable. Acquiring Corus Steel and Tetley Tea was another feather in his cap. Under his stewardship, the Tatas came to be known as the group that had everything, ‘from salt to software’, with a revenue of $165 billion in 2023-24. Even after his retirement, he continued to consult the leaders of the various Tata companies in his position as Chairman Emeritus. A matter of great pride and nostalgia to Ratan Tata, himself a licenced pilot, was the return of Air India to the Tatas, in 2022.

He continued to be a mentor to many enterprising youngsters and supported startups that included Ola, Upstox, Lenskart, CarDekho, FirstCry, Paytm and Bluestone. His generosity was as legendary – giving generously of his knowledge and resources, and being instrumental in the birth and growth of several famous entrepreneurs. His love for dogs, especially community / street dogs, was renowned, prompting him to fund the startup ‘Motopaws’, which provided reflective collars for strays to protect them from being run over in the dark, by motorists. In fact, such was his affection for his four-legged friends that Bombay House and the Taj Hotel were instructed to allow entry to strays on the premises. He once famously cancelled going to the Buckingham Palace, to receive a Lifetime Award for Philanthropy, because one of his pet dogs was severely ill.

Ratan Tata was a man of his word – always honouring his commitments. The size of an event or the presence of media were immaterial – if he promised his presence, he would show up, knowing that his invaluable presence would make a difference to the cause. He believed that success was defined by the good that one does and famously said, “What I want to do is leave behind a world that is better because of what we have done.”

In today’s social media frenzy, Ratan Tata was a breath of fresh air, joining Instagram only in 2019. Though his posts were few and rare, each managed to gain millions of likes within hours, and unmeasurable love and appreciation. His last social media post reinforced his humble nature, receiving an outpouring of concern from across the world when he was hospitalized, wherein he shared, “Thank you for thinking of me.”

Whether Indian or international, all world leaders across fraternities, felt a kinship and great respect for him. Bill Gates shared, “Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India – and the world… I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity…His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and example he set will continue to inspire generations.”

Ratan Tata lived an exemplary life with an unyielding moral compass that earned him global reverence. Even his business competitors swore by his integrity. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, shared, “In Ratan Tata, we found a competitor who was fair and kind, and a friend who was steadfast. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will guide us forever.” Gautam Adani, Chairperson of Adani Group, also lauded him as, “…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.’

Aptly summing up his tremendous contributions, Dinshaw K. Tamboly Chairman, The WZO Trust Funds, The WZO Trust for Women & Children and The World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust, wrote, “In the passing of Mr. Ratan Tata, our country has lost one of its most illustrious sons, who was a visionary industrialist who headed multiple enterprises that has effectively put India on the world map and provided employment to thousands of individuals spread over the length and breadth of India. Even more pronounced than his economic successes, he shaped the philanthropic and charitable sectors that have uplifted millions of impoverished people and brought them back into the mainstream of society. A titan of our times, who having left his indelible stamp on mankind, has now stepped across the threshold into Paradise, where I am sure, those of good cheer and good humour among the eternally blessed would have hastened to welcome him.”

Ratan Tata, exemplified and lived the tenets of Zoroastrianism – ‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta’ or Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. Let us all aspire to live our lives like he did – with integrity, humility and compassion for all. That would be the ultimate tribute to this great man who embodied greatness itself.