Ratan Tata passes away: "Thank you for thinking of me," reads his last post on social media

Ratan Tata, the scion of legendary Tata family, passes away at the age of 86. Tata was admitted to hospital and was undergoing medical investigations due to age and medical conditions. As per reports he also had blood pressure and his health conditions were deteriorating. Blood pressure issues, particularly hypertension, are common in old age due to factors like stiffening arteries, reduced kidney function, and lifestyle changes.
Ratan Tata was among India's most respected and loved industrialists, who took Tata Group to new heights and touched the fabric of the nation through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy.

The mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata will be available for the public on Thursday at 10:30 am at the NCPA Lawns at Nariman Point in Mumbai to pay their last respects. As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains will be taken on its final journey at 4 pm.
Reports of Tata scion, Ratan Tata in 'critical' condition had been emerging since evening. He was admitted at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Tata was admitted to the hospital on Monday regarding age related conditions.
"He is in the hospital now… We shall be issuing an official statement tomorrow (Thursday) morning," an official close to Ratan Tata told news agency IANS this evening.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata. He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade and industry. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has offered condolences on the demise of Ratan Tata.

Speculations regarding Tata's health was intense earlier this week and there were rumors all over social media with his fans and followers showing concern for him.

In response to the concerns about his health, the good spirited corporate giant had issued a statement saying: "I am aware of the recent rumours circulating regarding my health and want to assure everyone that these claims are unfounded. I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits and request that the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation."

Tata is not as active in the day-to-day running of the group as he used to be, but is consulted on big decisions by the Tata Sons leadership, a senior company executive told Reuters.
His current condition is said to be serious, but the Tata Group officials have not confirmed or denied anything.
The genteel businessman is immensely popular in the country for his mannerism and seen as an epitome of kindness. Born on December 28, 1937, into the prominent and powerful Tata family, Ratan Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University and later completed a management program at Harvard Business School.

In 1991, Tata became the chairman of the Tata Group, guiding the company through a period of globalization and expansion. Under his leadership, the group made bold acquisitions transforming Tata into a global brand. He founded telecommunications company Tata Teleservices (TTML.NS), opens new tab in 1996 and took IT company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS), opens new tab public in 2004. Tata also serves on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase, according to his profile on the Tata Sons website.
He has close to 10 million followers on Instagram. Tata follows only two accounts: Small Animal Hospital, Mumbai and Tata Trusts.
Tata Group leader
Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, at a time when India’s economy was just opening up to the world. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded significantly, both in India and internationally. Ratan Tata's most notable achievement is transforming Tata from a largely domestic player into a global powerhouse. He did not just place Tata Group on the global business map, but also gave India a platform to showcase its business prowess.

His commitment to philanthropy is inspiration
Ratan Tata is as much a philanthropist as he is a business leader. Through these trusts, Ratan Tata has been instrumental in funding projects in education, healthcare, rural development, and scientific research.
His simplicity makes him a perfect role model for young and old alike
Ratan Tata is renowned for his humility and simple lifestyle. He is known to live modestly, avoiding the flamboyance that is typically associated with billionaires. He never married and has often spoken about his personal values, which include integrity, honesty, and empathy. His leadership style is characterized by quiet determination and a people-first approach. Even in retirement, he remains actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and guiding business leaders.
Ratan Tata was a music lover
An old clip from the chat show ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’ shows the late industrialist talking about the music that he enjoys and the kind of entertainment he consumes. Ratan Tata told Simi Garewal that although he listens to all kinds of music, he is particularly fond of Jazz and Western Classical music.
He has received several honours
Ratan Tata’s contributions to business and society have been widely recognized. He has received numerous national and international awards, including India's civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008, and the Padma Bhushan in 2000. He was also awarded honorary degrees from several prestigious universities, including Harvard and Cambridge. Apart from national honours he had also received honours from state governments. He received 'Maharashtra Bhushan' in 2006 for contribution to public administration in Maharashtra and 'Assam Baibhav' in 2021 for his work in furthering cancer care in Assam.

A dutiful citizen
Not just a businessman, Ratan Tata was a dutiful citizen as well. "Monday is voting day in Mumbai. I urge all Mumbaikars to go out and vote responsibly," he had tweeted in May.

Ratan Tata’s family legacy began with Jamsetji Tata, who founded the Tata Group in 1868. Referred to as the "Father of Indian Industry," Jamsetji laid the foundation for Tata’s future ventures. He started industries that would be self-reliant and contribute to India's economic progress.
Ratan Tata's father, Naval Tata was adopted by Navajbai Tata thus bringing him into the direct line of the Tata family. Naval Tata played an influential role within the Tata Group, particularly in Tata Sons, the holding company of the group.

Ratan Tata’s mother, Sooni Tata, came from a family with Parsi heritage. Unfortunately, Ratan’s parents, Sooni and Naval Tata, separated when he was just 10 years old. After their divorce, Ratan Tata and his younger brother, Jimmy Tata, were raised by their grandmother, Navajbai Tata.
Ratan Tata has a younger brother named Jimmy Tata, who has always led a quiet and private life. Unlike Ratan, Jimmy stayed away from the limelight and did not participate in the Tata Group's business activities. He has lived a low-profile life and remains largely unknown to the public.
Ratan Tata never married and has no children. In various interviews, he has spoken about his decision not to marry, citing personal reasons. Despite this, he remains deeply connected to his extended family and is known for his close relationships with his cousins and other members of the Tata family.

Ratan Tata has several cousins, most notably Noel Tata, who is also a key figure in the Tata Group. Noel Tata is the son of Naval Tata’s second wife, Simone Tata, and is Ratan Tata’s half-brother.
(With inputs from agencies)