( 28 December 1937 - 9 October 2024 )

Ratan Naval Tata (1937-2024) was an Indian industrialist and philanthropist who served as the Chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012, and as Interim Chairman from 2016 to 2017. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Tata graduated from Cornell University College of Architecture with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

Tata joined the Tata Group in 1962, starting on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He rose through the ranks, becoming the Chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons in 1991. During his tenure, he aggressively expanded the group, diversifying into new industries and geographies.

Tata was known for his commitment to philanthropy and social causes. He was a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and community development. He supported various initiatives, including the establishment of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the Tata Memorial Centre, and the Ratan Tata Trust. Know more >>>


Tata’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University and participation in the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program in 1975. He joined the Tata Group in 1962, starting on the shop floor of Tata Steel.

Throughout his career, Tata received several prestigious awards, including :

In addition to his business roles, Tata was a dedicated philanthropist and chaired the Tata Trusts, one of India’s oldest non-sectarian philanthropic organizations that works in various areas of community development.

Here are some of his most inspiring quotes :

  1. On Success and Failure : “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”
  2. On Leadership : “Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success.”
  3. On Innovation and Progress : “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.”
  4. On Personal Growth : “Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument.”
  5. On India’s Potential : “I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”
  6. On Business and Ethics : “Quality and consistency are not an accident; it’s the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.”
  7. On Life and Motivation : “In our journey of life, we pass pleasures and pain. There will be sunshine and rain; there will be loss and gain. But we must learn to smile again and again.”