Industrialist Ratan Tata passes away at 86

Guwahati: Renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86, due to sudden health complications.

He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure and was later shifted to the intensive care unit.

"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, in a late night statement.

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Just two days before his passing, Ratan Tata had reassured his followers on social media that he was undergoing routine check-ups for age-related health issues and that there was no cause for concern.

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Ratan Tata was known for his visionary leadership as the chairman of Tata Sons from 1990 to 2012 and interim chairman from 2016 to 2017.

Under his guidance, the Tata Group expanded its global presence through strategic acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.

Armed with an architecture degree from Cornell University, he returned to India in 1962. It was a homecoming, a chance to contribute to the vast industrial empire his great-grandfather had established nearly a century prior.

He cut his teeth at various Tata companies, including Telco (now Tata Motors Ltd) and Tata Steel Ltd. But his true mark came at National Radio & Electronics Company, where he turned the tide, reversing losses and boosting market share.

In 1991, a pivotal moment arrived. Just as India embarked on economic reforms that integrated the nation into the global market, ushering in an era of significant growth, he assumed the leadership mantle from his uncle, J.R.D. Tata.

Under his visionary guidance, the Tata Group launched the game-changing Tata Nano, the world's most affordable car. He also spearheaded the expansion of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), transforming it into a global IT powerhouse.