On Thursday (December 28), Ratan Tata, the renowned industrialist, entrepreneur, and Tata Sons Chairman emeritus, turned 86. Tata Sons Chairman emeritus gained fame for his philanthropic endeavours on both national and international fronts. Raised by his grandmother Navajbai Tata, he was born on December 28, 1937. Ratan Tata, the recipient of India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan (2008) and Padma Bhushan (2000) earned these accolades for his substantial contributions to nation-building.
Birthday Wishes Pour in for Ratan Tata
People over the internet, including Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, took to social media to extend birthday wishes to Mr Tata, recognizing him as a man with a golden heart.
Ratan Tata’s Educational and Professional Journey
Ratan Tata attended Campion School until the 8th standard and continued his education at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He pursued architecture at Cornell University, briefly working with Jones and Emmons in Los Angeles before returning to India in 1962. Joining the Tata Group that same year, he contributed to the Tata Steel division in Jamshedpur. In 1975, he completed a management course at Harvard Business School. Taking the helm as the chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, Ratan Tata embarked on a transformative leadership role.
Notable Facts and Achievements
- The founder of the Tata group, Jamsetji Tata, is Ratan Tata’s great-grandfather.
- Ratan Tata was raised by his grandmother, Navajbai Tata, after his parents’ separation in 1948.
- Despite coming close to marriage four times, he remained unmarried, citing various reasons.
- Beginning his career with Tata in 1961, he managed operations at Tata Steel and later studied at Harvard Business School.
- Ratan Tata made TCS public in 2004 and led historic mergers with Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley.
- In 2009, he launched the affordable Tata Nano and is known for philanthropy, establishing the Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell University.
- Tata Group donated $50 million to Harvard Business School in 2010 and ₹95 crore to IIT-Bombay in 2014.
- Continuing a tradition, Bombay House, Tata’s headquarters, has a kennel for stray dogs with food, water, toys, and a play area.
Ratan Tata’s Insightful Quotes
- “Ups and downs in life are crucial; a straight line, even in an ECG, means we are not alive.”
- “I aim to be seen as someone who does their best in every situation and doesn’t compromise.”
- “Copying others may bring short-term success, but won’t lead to long-term fulfilment.”
- “Like rust to iron, a person’s mindset, not external factors, can be their undoing.”
- “Businesses should extend beyond self-interest to benefit the communities they serve.”
- “Walking fast alone or walking far together: choose your path wisely.”
- “Use the stones people throw at you to build a monument.”
- “Power and wealth aren’t my primary objectives.”
- “The day I can’t fly will be a sad day for me.”
- “Don’t be too serious; enjoy life as it comes.”
