Ratan Naval Tata - A humanist.
An ode to one of the greatest businessmen in the history of time.
"Success is not measured by the position you hold, but by the impact you have on others."
~ Ratan Naval Tata (1937 - 2024)
On October 7th, 2024 Ratan Naval Tata, was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital (Mumbai, INDIA) in a critical condition due to dyspnea and was under intensive care.
He breathed his last, at 23:30 IST on 9 October 2024, at the age of 86 due to age-related issues.
Following his death, the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of Jharkhand (States in India), announced a day of mourning.
Note to my readers: I had not planned to write this blog post on Ratan Tata. When I read/heard of his demise, I couldn’t hold myself back, as he is one of the business leaders I have read (and been inspired by) extensively.
Ratan Tata: The Man Who Led with His Heart
But first, for my readers who are not from India, who was Ratan Naval Tata?
Ratan Naval Tata, born on December 28, 1937, was one of India’s most influential industrialists and philanthropists. Raised in the distinguished Tata family, he completed his early education in India before pursuing a degree in architecture at Cornell University in 1962, followed by an advanced management program at Harvard Business School in 1975.
After returning to India, he joined the Tata Group in 1962 and gradually worked his way up through various positions. He took over as chairman in 1991, steering the group to unprecedented global heights, including the acquisition of Jaguar, Land Rover, Corus Steel, and Tetley Tea.
Known for his visionary leadership, Ratan Tata was equally celebrated for his humility and commitment to philanthropy, with a significant portion (two-thirds) of Tata Group’s profits directed toward social causes like education, healthcare, and rural development. Despite his business achievements, he remained a deeply compassionate leader, always putting people before profits.
When we look for role models, we often search for those who have achieved monumental success, amassed wealth, or built grand empires.
But every so often, we come across a leader who transcends the ordinary definition of greatness. One who leads not with a thirst for power or riches, but with compassion, humility, and a steadfast commitment to humanity. Ratan Tata was one such individual—a titan of industry who, above all, remains profoundly human.
In today’s fast-paced world, where success is often measured by wealth or fame, Ratan Tata reminds us that true greatness lies in how we treat others, in the kindness we show, and in the difference we make in the lives we touch. The story of his life is one of integrity, service, and unshakable humility. It is a story that warms the heart and inspires us all to strive for a greater purpose.
Humble Beginnings, Strong Values
Ratan Tata’s life journey is not the tale of a silver-spooned heir but of a man who understood hardship and the complexities of family life. Born into one of India’s most prestigious families, he faced the emotional pain of his parents' separation at a young age. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, he grew up learning values of integrity, kindness, and resilience that would shape the course of his life and leadership.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Ratan Tata never sought to rely on his family name. When he was asked to turn around the fortunes of a struggling company, Nelco, in 1971, Ratan could have easily delegated the task to others. Instead, he personally engaged with every level of the organization. He visited factory floors, talked to workers, and made it a point to understand their problems and aspirations.
Imagine being a worker in a factory—someone who punches in every day, unnoticed, unacknowledged by the higher-ups. Now imagine the chairman of the company, with his soft demeanor, walking up to you, asking about your day, and really listening. That’s who Ratan Tata was. A leader who never placed himself above others. He sought to connect, to understand, and to offer solutions with empathy, not authority.
The Man Who Dreamed of a Better Life for All
For many, the name Ratan Tata is synonymous with the iconic Tata Nano—a small car with a big heart.
The Nano wasn’t just a project; it was a promise. It was born from a vision Ratan had while driving through the streets of India and noticing families of four or five packed precariously onto scooters, braving dangerous roads. It moved him deeply, as it would move any of us.
He thought to himself, “What if I could give these families something safer, something that gives them dignity?” And thus, the Nano project was conceived.
Against all odds, including skepticism from his own peers and industry experts, Ratan Tata pursued the dream. The result was the world’s most affordable car, priced at ₹1 lakh, which made the dream of owning a car a reality for millions of Indians. It wasn’t about profitability; it was about people. It was about giving the middle class a sense of security and pride, about making a difference in the lives of those who often feel unseen.
And even when the Nano didn’t achieve commercial success, Ratan Tata stood by his vision, unshaken. Because for him, success wasn’t measured by sales figures or market share—it was measured by the lives touched, the dreams realized, and the hope offered.
Handling the Crisis at the Taj: Leadership in Tragedy
Perhaps one of the most poignant examples of Ratan Tata’s character came during the tragic events of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008. One of the targets was the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a symbol of Mumbai and a part of the Tata Group. The attack was devastating, with lives lost and the hotel left in ruins. For any business leader, such a catastrophic event would be an unimaginable blow. But for Ratan Tata, this was not just a corporate crisis—it was a deeply personal tragedy.
In the days following the attack, Ratan Tata did not just focus on rebuilding the hotel. Instead, his first concern was the people—the employees, the guests, and the families affected by the senseless violence. He personally visited the families of every employee who had been injured or lost their lives. He sat with them, listened to their pain, and offered not just financial support but heartfelt compassion.
Many of the Taj’s employees had gone above and beyond during the attacks, risking their lives to protect guests. Tata ensured that these acts of bravery were honored. He set up support systems for the families of the victims, offering jobs to dependents and making sure that no one was left behind.
In a world where corporate leaders often issue statements from afar, Ratan Tata stood by his people, physically present, offering his solidarity and support.
His actions after 26/11 are a testament to the kind of leader he is. For Ratan Tata, people have always come first. It wasn’t just about rebuilding the Taj as a symbol of resilience—it was about healing the people who had suffered. He led with his heart, and in doing so, won the hearts of millions.
Rising to the Occasion During the COVID Crisis
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the world was plunged into unprecedented uncertainty and fear. India, like many other nations, faced the dual challenge of a public health crisis and an economic downturn. At the forefront of the corporate response was Ratan Tata and the Tata Group, stepping up in ways that went beyond business.
Ratan Tata’s instinctive empathy came to the forefront as he and the Tata Trusts committed a staggering ₹1,500 crore (approximately US $210 Million) towards COVID-19 relief efforts. This included funding for protective gear for frontline workers, ventilators, testing kits, and hospital beds. What moved people the most was how quietly and quickly the Tata Group mobilized its resources. There was no fanfare, no self-congratulatory headlines—just swift, decisive action to help the country in its time of need.
Throughout the crisis, Ratan Tata’s focus remained not on profits, but on the well-being of his employees and the people of India. Under his guidance, Tata companies ensured that workers and their families were supported, even as businesses took a financial hit. His leadership during the pandemic was a reflection of his lifelong philosophy: that businesses exist to serve people, not the other way around.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Ratan Tata called for unity and compassion during the pandemic. His words, simple yet profound, resonated deeply with a nation in distress. "In a situation like this," he said, "it is imperative that we stand united and support each other during this crisis." These were not just words from a business leader; they were words from a man who deeply cared for the country and its people.
A Silent Guardian, a True Philanthropist
Ratan Tata’s philanthropy is woven into the very fabric of who he is. But what makes his generosity truly remarkable is the quietness of it. He never flaunted his charitable acts, never sought the spotlight. Yet, the Tata Trusts, under his leadership, have contributed billions toward education, healthcare, rural development, and upliftment of marginalized communities. Over two-thirds of the Tata Group’s profits go into social causes—a staggering figure that speaks volumes about the ethos he upheld.
One particular incident from 2008 exemplified his boundless empathy. When terrorists attacked Mumbai on 26/11, one of the targets was the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel—a jewel of the Tata Group. He personally visited the families of every employee affected by the attacks. He didn’t send a representative; he didn’t merely issue a press release. He showed up.
For the families who had lost their loved ones, this was more than an act of duty—it was an act of profound humanity. Ratan Tata made sure that the employees’ families were financially supported and offered jobs within the Tata Group. He extended that same compassion to the families of police officers and other victims of the attack, ensuring that they too were cared for. His actions were not driven by obligation, but by a deep-seated belief that in moments of tragedy, what matters most is human connection.
A Legacy Written in Kindness
Ratan Tata, through his leadership, has consistently chosen the path of integrity, empathy, and compassion. Even after stepping down as the chairman of Tata Sons, his influence on the group and on the country remained ever-present. His life’s work is a testament to the idea that businesses don’t just serve shareholders—they serve people.
The Heart of a Giant
Ratan Tata’s story is one that inspires us AND moves us (at the same time), not because of his material achievements but because of the overwhelming sense of humanity he exudes. He has shown us that the true measure of greatness lies not in the number of companies we build or the zeros in our bank accounts but in the number of lives we touch, the hearts we heal, and the hands we hold in times of need.
As we reflect on his legacy, we are left with a sense of deep gratitude. For in Ratan Tata, we don’t just see a businessman; we see the embodiment of what it means to be truly human.
Thank you, Ratan Tata, for leading with your heart. The world is a better place because you’ve been in it.