Industry greats remember the gem that was Ratan Tata
Soon after the news of the demise of India's most cherished industrialist, former Tata Group Chairman and philanthropist Ratan Naval Tata, spread, condolences and rich tribute started pouring in from industry greats from India and across the world.
Here are some sentiments shared by industry heads and entrepreneurs, who remembered Ratan Tata as someone who drove India to greater prosperity and development.
'Cared about making India better'
'At my last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji.' — Sunder Pichai, Google and Alphabet CEO, on X
'Brought best of the world to Bharat'
'It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied....With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise, growing the Tata group over 70 times since he took over as Chairman in 1991. On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart.'
— Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and MD, Reliance Industries
'Was my moral compass'
'He was a moral compass for me whenever I had some ambiguity and confusion in ethical issues. [After conferring an honour on Tata in 2020, the software icon had touched his feet to seek his blessings.] Losing a dear friend like Ratan is very painful. Ratan was a role model for me in value-based leadership.'
— Narayana Murthy, Infosys co-founder
'A great stalwart is lost'
'Throughout my association with Ratan and the (Tata) House, I respected him as a man of integrity who didn’t compromise when making any business decision. He always did what he thought was right. A man of few words, he was innately perceptive. With a wry sense of humour, he was quietly charming. Country has lost a great stalwart and will miss him deeply.”
— Zia Mody, co-founder and managing partner, AZB and Partners
'Redefined modern India's path'
'India has lost a giant, 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. Om Shanti."
— Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group
'Legends never die'
'I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die. Om Shanti."
— Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group
'A true nation-builder'
'I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ratan Tata. He leaves behind an astronomical imprint on the Indian industry, philanthropy and the perennial zest to better the world we live in. A true nation-builder, his legacy in the growth of the country will forever inspire entrepreneurs and all Indians alike. On behalf of Bharti Enterprises, I share my deepest condolences with the Tata family.'
— Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder & Chairman, Bharti Enterprises
'Great mind, great man'
‘I had the privilege of having spent some quality time, especially in Boston, discussing innovative tech startups and the ecosystem we need to create to unlock IP-led innovation. Ratan Tata was a great mind, such a great man and with so much to give both in philanthropy and thought leadership.'
— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics
'Beacon of integrity'
'Ratan Tata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond.'
— Businessman Harsh Goenka said, Chairperson, RPG Group
'Transformed industries, lives'
'Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata Ji. His vision, humility, and compassion transformed industries and lives alike. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.'
— Naveen Jindal, Union Minister and Chairman, Jindal Steel and Power
'Contributions extended far beyond boardroom'
“The passing of Ratan Tata marks the end of an era for Indian industry. He was not only an exceptional business leader but also a humanitarian whose contributions extended far beyond the boardroom. His relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his commitment to ethical governance, set a benchmark for generations to follow.” — Madhav Singhania, Deputy Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement Ltd
'Pioneered innovations, set new standards'
“Ratan Tata’s unparalleled leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to societal progress have left an indelible mark on the country. His vision went beyond financial success; he was deeply committed to nation-building and improving lives, both within India and globally. Tata’s contributions, from pioneering innovations to setting new standards in corporate responsibility, will remain etched in our memories.” — Sachit Jain, Vice Chairman & MD, Vardhman Special Steels Ltd
