Ratan Tata, the guiding force behind the Tata Group, has passed away at the age of 86. His demise leaves India mourning the loss of a philanthropist, compassionate individual, and animal lover. The impact of his passing is profound, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
On October 15, during the annual Diwali dinner of Reliance Industries, Neeta Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata in the presence of thousands of employees. She referred to him as “India’s great son.”
Recalling old times, Neeta Ambani shared that Ratan Tata was not only a close friend of her father-in-law, Dhirubhai Ambani, but also maintained a friendly relationship with her husband, Mukesh Ambani, and their family. He had also guided her son, Akash Ambani.
“We are all saddened by Ratan Tata’s passing,” Neeta Ambani addressed the attendees, emphasizing that he was a remarkable person with an extraordinary vision for business. He generously donated a significant portion of his earnings to charitable causes. Whenever the country needed him, Ratan Tata stood strong, making decisions that benefited both business and society. His loss deeply affects us all. Employees present at the event observed a minute of silence in his honor, during which Mukesh Ambani appeared visibly emotional.
Before Neeta Ambani's tribute, Mukesh Ambani expressed his sorrow in a statement regarding Ratan Tata’s passing, saying, “I am personally very saddened by Ratan Tata's demise, as I have lost a dear friend. Every meeting with him inspired and energized me.” He added that Ratan Tata’s death is a significant loss, not just for the Tata Group but for every Indian.
Ratan Tata, the renowned Indian business tycoon, passed away on October 9 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, leading to a wave of mourning across the nation. However, his numerous contributions to society ensure that his legacy will live on.
Ratan Tata: A Philanthropic Legacy
Ratan Tata was known for his philanthropic efforts across various fields:
Cancer Research- He made significant contributions to cancer research in India, with Tata Memorial Hospital providing free treatment to cancer patients. In 2012, the Tata Trust launched the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata.
Healthcare- The Tata Group worked to enhance healthcare systems, donating 1,500 crore rupees during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the nation.
Education- The Tata Trust contributed $28 million to Cornell University and $50 million to Harvard Business School for scholarships.
Animal Welfare- He opened a hospital for small animals in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.
Support for Senior Citizens- Ratan Tata championed the interests of the elderly, supporting a startup named Goodfellows, which provided services to senior citizens while creating job opportunities for youth.
Promoting Startups- He has been a long-time supporter of entrepreneurs in India, fostering startup investments through Tata Capital and Tata Startup Hub, encouraging innovation and youth entrepreneurship.
Launch of Nano Car- In 2008, Ratan Tata launched the Tata Nano, a very affordable car aimed at giving the poor and middle class a chance at car ownership. The Nano was designed to make life better for those who previously couldn’t afford a car.
Ratan Tata’s remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on society, ensuring that his spirit and legacy will endure for generations to come.
By Priyanka Yadav
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