Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86
Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist, died on Wednesday at the age of 86. His passing prompted a wave of tributes from leaders who shared personal stories and reflections about their encounters with him. Google CEO Sundar Pichai reminisced about his final meeting with Tata in a post on X, while Bill Gates expressed his condolences on LinkedIn.
Pichai noted that Tata, as the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, had a profound commitment to improving India and discussed Google’s advancements in autonomous driving technology during their conversation. He emphasized how inspiring Tata’s vision was.
In his message, Pichai described Tata as a pivotal figure in shaping modern business leadership in India, stating, “In my last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we discussed Waymo’s progress, and his insights were truly inspiring. He leaves behind an exceptional legacy in business and philanthropy and played a crucial role in developing today’s business leaders in India. His dedication to making India better was evident. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” he wrote on X.
### Elon Musk on Ratan Tata
Tata also inspired global leaders, including Elon Musk. In a 2009 interview with Charlie Rose, Musk praised Tata’s vision. When discussing the Tata Nano, an affordable car aimed at the Indian market, Rose asked about its significance in the automotive future. Musk acknowledged the importance of affordable vehicles but noted challenges with the Nano’s concept, calling Tata a “gentleman and scholar.”
Tata aimed to create a car accessible to India’s middle class, successfully launching the Tata Nano for just $1,200 (₹1 lakh) in 2008.
### Bill Gates on Ratan Tata
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, shared his tribute on LinkedIn, calling Tata a visionary leader whose commitment to improving lives left a lasting impact on India and beyond. Gates recalled their meetings and praised Tata’s sense of purpose and humanitarian efforts. He highlighted their collaborations on various initiatives aimed at enhancing health and prosperity. Gates last met Tata during a visit to India in 2023, where he gifted him copies of his books on public health and climate change.
### Health Condition and Legacy
The former chairman of the Tata Group had been critically ill and receiving intensive care in Mumbai for an extended period. Earlier this week, Tata had mentioned undergoing routine health assessments related to age.
In recognition of his contributions, Tata received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2008, following the Padma Bhushan in 2000. His leadership and impact on business and society have profoundly influenced India’s corporate landscape.
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