Ratan Tata Biography, Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Family & Net work
Ratan Naval Tata (28 December 1937 – 9 October 2024) was a celebrated Indian industrialist and philanthropist, renowned for his leadership of Tata Sons and the Tata Group. His tenure at the helm of the Tata Group from 1990 to 2012, and again as interim chairman in 2016-2017, transformed the company into a global conglomerate. Below is a detailed overview of his life, family, career, and legacy.
Ratan Naval Tata Biography, Personal Details
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ratan Naval Tata |
Birth Date | 28 December 1937 |
Birth Place | Bombay, British India (now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) |
Ratan Naval Tata Death Date | 9 October 2024 (aged 86) |
Nationality | Indian |
Ratan Naval Tata Parents | Naval Tata (father), Sooni Tata (mother) |
Ratan Naval Tata Siblings | Jimmy Tata (brother), Noel Tata (half-brother) |
Ratan Naval Tata Religion | Parsi Zoroastrian |
Ratan Naval Tata Height | 1.77 meters |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Ratan Tata Education
Schooling | Institutions |
---|---|
Primary & Secondary | Campion School, Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai |
High School | Bishop Cotton School, Shimla; Riverdale Country School, NYC |
University | Cornell University (BArch, 1959) |
Further Studies | Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program, 1975) |
Ratan Naval Tata Career
Position | Tenure |
---|---|
Chairman of Tata Sons | 1991–2012 |
Interim Chairman of Tata Sons | October 2016 – February 2017 |
Chairman Emeritus | Tata Sons and Tata Group (2012–2024) |
Notable Acquisitions | Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, Corus |
Ratan Tata joined Tata Group in 1961, working at Tata Steel on the shop floor. After succeeding J.R.D. Tata as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, he led the group into new industries and expanded its global footprint. Under his leadership, the Tata Group acquired international companies like Tetley Tea (UK), Corus (UK), and Jaguar Land Rover (UK), transforming the group from an India-focused business to a global giant.
Philanthropy
Ratan Tata was one of the world's leading philanthropists. Approximately 60-65% of his wealth was directed towards charitable trusts, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, rural development, and the arts. The Tata Trusts, which he led, owned the majority of shares in Tata Sons and played a pivotal role in social welfare initiatives.
Philanthropic Contributions | Details |
---|---|
Donations via Tata Trusts | Approximately 60–65% of income directed to charity |
Notable Contributions | $50 million donation to Cornell University in 2008 |
Ratan Tata Awards and Honors
Award | Year |
---|---|
Padma Bhushan | 2000 |
Maharashtra Bhushan | 2006 |
Padma Vibhushan | 2008 |
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) | 2014 |
Assam Baibhav | 2021 |
Order of Australia | 2023 |
Ratan Tata Family and Family Tree
Ratan Tata was born into the illustrious Tata family. His father, Naval Tata, was adopted by Sir Ratanji Tata, while his mother Sooni Tata was related to Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tata Group. Despite personal tragedies, including his parents' separation when he was just 10 years old, Ratan was raised by his grandmother Navajbai Tata, who instilled in him the values of humility and social responsibility.
Family Member | Relation |
---|---|
Naval Tata | Father |
Sooni Tata | Mother |
Jimmy Tata | Younger Brother |
Noel Tata | Half-Brother |
Notable Investments
Ratan Tata was a prolific investor in the Indian startup ecosystem. His personal investments spanned over 30 startups, including companies like Paytm, Ola, and Snapdeal, positioning him as an influential figure in India’s modern entrepreneurial landscape.
Startup Investments | Details |
---|---|
Key Investments | Ola, Paytm, Snapdeal |
Investment Focus | Technology and innovative startups in India |
Conclusion
Ratan Tata’s life was marked by his vision for global expansion, philanthropy, and strong leadership. His contribution to India's industrial and charitable sectors has left an enduring legacy, making him a revered figure both in India and across the world. His death on 9 October 2024 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to influence generations.