Tracing Ratan Tata's legendary life in pictures

Ratan Tata died on Wednesday night at the age of 86. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai for the past few days.

In Short

• Ratan Tata died at the age of 86 on Wednesday night
• Mr Tata was more than a chairperson, said Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran
• Ratan Tata had earlier dismissed speculation surrounding his health

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, died at the age of 86 on Wednesday night. He had been undergoing treatment for prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for the last few days.

Just on Monday, the industrialist in a social media post had dismissed speculation surrounding his health and had said he was undergoing routine medical investigations due to his age.

"For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," said Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement announcing his death.

As the man who led the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012, Ratan Tata's legacy is not just one of towering business achievements but one deeply rooted in the ethos of putting "India and Indians first."

Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata came from a distinguished Parsi family.

Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 1962 and began his career in the family business shortly after.

He took over as chairman in 1991 during a challenging period for the group, which then had revenues of just USD 5.8 billion. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its reach and diversified its interests, with revenues soaring to over USD 100 billion by 2011-12.

Tata Indica was launched by Tata Motors in 1998 and was the first Indian hatchback with a diesel engine. It was the first passenger hatchback by Tata Motors. The models were also exported to European and African countries from late 2004. The car was discontinued in April 2018.

Perhaps no other project better symbolized Ratan Tata's commitment to India than the Tata Nano, launched in 2008. His vision was to create the world's cheapest car, priced at Rs 1 lakh, to provide affordable mobility for the Indian middle class.

Throughout his tenure, Ratan Tata was instrumental in acquiring international companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, and established Tata Group as a prominent player in sectors such as steel, automobiles, telecommunications, and information technology.

Apart from business, Ratan Tata was also committed to philanthropy, which was evident in his leadership of the Tata Trusts, which focus on community development and social initiatives in India. He was dedicated to improving education, healthcare, and rural development, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Honored with numerous accolades, including the nation’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, and the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Ratan Tata was widely respected for his business acumen and unwavering integrity.