SIR RATAN NAVAL TATA: MERA ANMOL RATAN

 

 

SIR  RATAN  NAVAL  TATA:   MERA  ANMOL  RATAN

Ratan Naval Tata was an Indian industrialist, philanthropist, visionary leader and ethical statesman.


He served as Chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012, and he held the position of interim Chairman from October 2016 to February 2017.

 

Born: 28 December 1937, Mumbai

Died: 9 October 2024 (age 86 years), Breach Candy Hospital Trust, Mumbai  

Awards: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, CNN-IBN Indian of the Year in Business 

 

Mera Anmol Ratan in Indian language Hindi means, my invaluable Ratan OR gem of a guy.

Ratan Tata earned a bachelor's degree in architecture and structural engineering from Cornell University in 1962 and later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975. He attended various schools for his early and secondary education in Mumbai and Shimla, including Cathedral and John Connon School and Bishop Cotton School.   

Ratan Tata was the richest person in India. Ratan was richer than Mukesh Ambani, but 66% of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts that support health, education, art, and culture.

 

Ratan Tata was born into a Parsi Zoroastrian family. The Parsi community are the follower of Zoroastrianism.

 

Ratan Tata was formally adopted by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, after his biological parents, Naval Tata and Sooni Commissariat, separated. Naval Tata was himself an adopted son of Navajbai Tata's husband, Ratanji Tata, making the adoption a key part of the Tata family's history.

He remained a bachelor until he died in 2024.





Undeterred, Tata stood outside the hotel for three days, monitoring rescue operations hour by hour until the police declared the area secure.

 

Once the crisis ended, Tata was one of the first to step into the ravaged hotel.

 

Beyond assessing the damage, he focused on recovery—both for the property and the people.

 

He personally visited the injured, provided comfort to the grieving staff, and established the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust to support those affected.

 

Tata's leadership ensured the Taj was restored to its former glory, standing today as a symbol of India's resilience and the indomitable spirit of its people.

 

His actions during and after the 26/11 attacks exemplify true leadership: courage in the face of adversity, compassion for those affected, and an unwavering vision to rebuild stronger.In 2008, Mumbai endured one of its darkest moments—26/11, the Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his team of other terrorists besieged Mumbai. Ajmal Kasab and his other nine terrorists pumped bullets from their AK-47 rifles and went berserk, killing innocent people. The terror attack left the city scarred. Among the targets was the iconic Taj Hotel, a symbol of India's heritage and pride. 

In 2008, Mumbai endured one of its darkest moments—26/11, the Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his team of other terrorists besieged Mumbai. Ajmal Kasab and his other nine terrorists pumped bullets from their AK-47 rifles and went berserk, killing innocent people. The terror attack left the city scarred. Among the targets was the iconic Taj Hotel, a symbol of India's heritage and pride. The dome of the old Taj Hotel was destroyed in the fire.

 

Kasab and his men not only targeted the Taj Hotel but also neighbouring areas such as Leopold Cafe, Colaba, Azad Maidan and other heart of the Mumbai City locations. 

 

Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab was a Pakistani terrorist and a member of the Islamist militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, through which he took part in the Mumbai terrorist attacks in Maharashtra, India. 

  

The attacks claimed 166 lives, including 33 at the Taj, and injured over 300. Many prominent encounter specialists of the Mumbai police and the special Anti-Terror Task Force squad were killed in the attack.

 

Mumbaikars were terrified and remained indoors for several days.

 

Finally, the Indian Army stepped in and, along with Mumbai cops, killed a few terrorists, took Ajmal Kasab as a captive and restored peace in Mumbai.

Ajmal Kasab was the sole gunman to be captured alive. He was on the threshold of adulthood (21 years old) when he committed the crime at the behest of a militant organisation operating from Pakistan. Kasab died in Yerwada Central Jail while serving his jail term (aged 25 years) in 2012.

The encounters were of cinematic style (which would be a scene from Hollywood/Bollywood) movies, as an Army Major air-dropped from a helicopter and entered the militant hub to flush out the terrorists.

 

Though he succeeded in his mission, while performing his duty, he became a martyr.

 

At the age of 70, Ratan Tata demonstrated remarkable courage and exemplary leadership during the terror attack on the Taj Hotel and in the challenging days that followed. Throughout this dark period, he stood outside the hotel, providing unwavering support to his staff and taking personal responsibility for restoring the iconic property to its former glory. His actions went far beyond corporate duty—he became a pillar of strength for the nation, embodying the qualities of a true statesman.

 

India mourns the loss of a true visionary, Ratan Tata. A man who not only built empires but built dreams for millions.

 

His legacy goes beyond business—it's etched in every life he touched, and every smile he brought to those in need.

 

Ratan Tata, widely admired for his business acumen, also shares a lesser-known connection with the Catholic community. Through his philanthropic initiatives, he has extended meaningful support to Catholic hospitals, educational institutions, and various community-focused organizations.

 

Through his unwavering integrity, compassion, and relentless dedication to nation-building, he redefined what it means to lead with heart.

Setting an example even in his death! Priests from different faiths - Parsi, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist - stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they recite prayers at Ratan Tata's prayer meet at NCPA lawns.

Paying tribute to Ratan Tata, the visionary who redefined Indian business and carried forward a legacy built on trust, innovation, and compassion. From steering the Tata Group to global heights to nurturing a love for animals that touched countless lives, his impact reached far beyond boardrooms. Farewell to the man who gave India not just industries, but also inspiration, dignity, and heart.

Famous Quotes of Ratan Tata  -

 

"The only limit to your success is your own imagination" - Ratan Tata.

 

"Never compromise on your values and principles, even if it's the hard way." Ratan Tata

 

 "None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! -  Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata will forever be remembered for his extraordinary empathy, quiet strength, and deep love for the country.

 

He showed us the power of kindness, reminding us that real success lies in lifting others up.
 

 

You were an invaluable treasure to us, we Indians: Our Anmol Ratan!

 

 

 Today, India bows its head in gratitude. We miss you deeply, Sir.