Ratan Tata

"Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive." - this quote is one of my favourite quotes of Ratan Tata.

Ratan Naval Tata 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 October 2016 to February 2017. He was born in Mumbai, during the British Raj, into a Parsi Zoroastrian family. He graduated from Cornell University College of Architecture with a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1962. He joined the Tata Group in 1962 and later succeeded J. R. D. Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon his retirement in 1991.

Ratan Tata's journey is nothing short of legendary. From transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse to making heartfelt contributions to society, his story is all about resilience, vision, and impact.

In the 1960s, he traveled the world, dabbling in architecture in Los Angeles. However, he chose to return home to India, where his real journey began. In the 1970s, he took over National Radio and Electronics (NELCO) and demonstrated his leadership by turning the struggling company around. In 1991, he took over Tata Sons, succeeding the iconic J.R.D. Tata.

Ratan Tata led for 21 years with the goal of expanding the brand's reach beyond India's borders. Under his leadership, the Tata Group acquired major global brands such as Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, demonstrating to the rest of the world that India is capable of competing globally. Then came the Tata Nano—a car that turned heads and broke barriers. 

But he wasn't just talking business. Ratan Tata's investments in over 30 startups, ranging from Snapdeal to Ola, demonstrated his passion for innovation and youth-led initiatives. And when it came to giving back, his heart grew even larger. Ratan Tata remained true to his values, funding educational institutions around the world and assisting survivors of the 1984 Sikh genocide. He was also a true change agent, spearheading initiatives to bring clean water to underserved communities.
Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu shared a special bond through their love of dogs. Shantanu, an engineer, designed a collar with reflectors to keep stray dogs safe from being hit by vehicles at night. Tata, who is known for his love of animals, discovered Shantanu's project and offered him mentorship. Shantanu eventually became a friend and business advisor to Tata. Their mutual love of dogs strengthened their bond. Tata's office at Bombay House included a special area for stray dogs, which symbolized warmth and care. Their bond reflects admiration, respect, and shared values, demonstrating how kindness, empathy, and a genuine love for animals can unite people of all ages and professions.

Even after leaving his executive position, Ratan Tata remained a mentor and guide, leaving a legacy of integrity, compassion, and global vision. His story is about more than just building a business empire; it's about dreaming big, giving back, and making the world better.

"The day I am not able to fly will be a sad day for me."