As Ratan Tata turns 86 today, we take a look at the key milestones in his illustrious life.
1937: Ratan Tata is born to Soonoo and Naval Tata.
1955: Leaves for Cornell University (New York, USA) at age 17; goes on to study architecture and engineering over a seven-year period.
1962: Awarded bachelor of architecture degree.
1962: Joins the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries; later in the year, spends six months training at the Jamshedpur plant of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (now called Tata Motors).
1963: Moves to Tata Iron and Steel Company, or Tisco (now called Tata Steel), at its Jamshedpur facility for a training programme.
1965: Is appointed technical officer in Tisco’s engineering division.
1969: Works as the Tata group’s resident representative in Australia.
1970: Returns to India, joins Tata Consultancy Services, then a software fledgling, for a short stint.
1971: Is named director-in-charge of National Radio and Electronics (better known as Nelco), an ailing electronics enterprise.
1974: Joins the board of Tata Sons as a director.
1975: Completes the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
1981: Is appointed Chairman of Tata Industries; begins the process of transforming it into a promoter of high-technology businesses.
1983: Drafts the Tata strategic plan.
1986-1989: Serves as Chairman of Air India, the national carrier.
March 25, 1991: Takes over from JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons and Chairman of the Tata trusts.
1991: Begins restructuring of the Tata group at a time when the liberalisation of the Indian economy is underway.
2000 onwards: The growth and globalisation drive of the Tata group gathers pace under his stewardship and the new millennium sees a string of high-profile Tata acquisitions, among them Tetley, Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, Brunner Mond, General Chemical Industrial Products and Daewoo.
2008: Launches the Tata Nano, born of the trailblazing small car project he guided and commanded with zeal and determination.
2008: Is awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India.
December 2012: Steps down as Chairman of Tata Sons after 50 years with the Tata group; is appointed Chairman EmeritusofTataSons.
Source: https://www.tata.com/about-us/tata-group-our-heritage/tata-titans/ratan-naval-tata
Disclosure: Ratan Tata is an investor in Upstox since 2016.
FAQs
1975: Completes the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. 1981: Is appointed Chairman of Tata Industries; begins the process of transforming it into a promoter of high-technology businesses. 1983: Drafts the Tata strategic plan. 1986-1989: Serves as Chairman of Air India, the national carrier.
What is the milestone of Ratan Tata? ›
In 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in India, after receiving the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in 2000.
What did Ratan Tata learn from his life? ›
Demonstrate empathy and compassion:
Ratan Tata has always been known for his compassion and his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. He has actively participated in philanthropic activities and supported various causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
What struggles did Ratan Tata face? ›
The challenges started when he took over as the Chairman of the Tata Group in 1991. He was faced with the task of turning around the loss-making Tata Group. He was successful in turnaround the Tata Group and made it one of the most successful and respected business groups in India.
What are the achievements of Tata? ›
He was the first person in India to receive a flying licence. He was known as the father of Indian civil aviation. He founded the first-ever commercial airline in India, which was named Tata Airlines. He flew the first-ever commercial flight in India, which flew from Karachi to Madras.
What is the biggest success of Ratan Tata? ›
The success story of Ratan Tata
He convinced Tata Tea to buy Tetley, Tata Motors to buy Jaguar Land Rover, and Tata Steel to buy Corus, transforming it from a mostly Indian concern into a multinational firm. He also designed the Tata Nano vehicle.
What has Ratan Tata done for India? ›
Sir Ratan was a personal friend of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, the great Indian social reformer and freedom fighter. Impressed with the work of Gokhale's Servants of India Society, Sir Ratan donated an amount of Rs10,000 annually for a period of 10 years to support its welfare work for the weaker sections of the society.
What skills does Ratan Tata have? ›
Ratan Tata's leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of visionary thinking, humility, empathy and a lot more. His approach to leadership has not only transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse but has also set a remarkable example for leaders worldwide.
What are the core values of Ratan Tata? ›
Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Pioneering, and Unity.
Why Ratan Tata is a great personality? ›
His personal qualities
He was also a humble and compassionate man who was always willing to listen to others. Some of his personal qualities that made him a successful leader include: Humility: Ratan Tata was known for his humility and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Business tycoon Shri Ratan Tata turned 86 today, a true hero of India's business landscape. His enduring contributions, from transforming Tata Group into a global powerhouse to fostering innovation with projects like Tata Nano, showcase his unparalleled commitment to the nation's growth.
Why Ratan Tata is not richest person in India? ›
The key reason Ratan Tata does not appear on the world's richest lists lies in the unique structure of Tata Group. Unlike many business magnates who own substantial personal stakes in their companies, Ratan Tata's wealth is intricately tied to the Tata Trusts.
What are some unknown facts about Ratan Tata? ›
It is interesting to note that he came close to marrying four times, but could not married for various reasons. He once admitted that while he was working in Los Angeles, there was a time when he fell in love. But because of the 1962 Indo-China War, the girl's parents were opposed to sending her to India.
How is Tata so successful? ›
First, Ratan Tata had smart ideas that helped Tata Group become famous worldwide. He bought other big companies like Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, which made Tata Group bigger and more competitive. Second, Ratan Tata wanted Tata Group to always have new and cool ideas.
What are 5 Tata values? ›
Values
- Integrity. We will be fair, honest, transparent and ethical in our conduct; everything we do must stand the test of public scrutiny.
- Excellence. We will be passionate about achieving the highest standards of quality, always promoting meritocracy.
- Unity. ...
- Responsibility.
- To promote the development of world-class products and services in India.
- To create an environment of trust and respect between employees and employers.
- To ensure the highest standards of corporate governance in all Tata group companies.
- To strengthen the Tata brand in India and abroad.
Ratan Tata, a well-known animal lover, spoke to Times of India about his dream project and why he wanted a facility for small animals in Mumbai. “A pet is no different from a member of one's family today. As the guardian of several pets throughout my life, I recognise the need for this hospital,” the 86-year-old said.
When did Ratan Tata start his business? ›
Ratan Tata started his career with Tata group in 1961 and his first job was managing operations on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He later went to Harvard Business School to complete his studies. Ratan Tata is also an alumnus of the Cornell University College of Architecture. Ratan Tata made TCS public in 2004.
Why was Ratan Tata never married? ›
Mr. Tata claimed that despite getting into numerous relationships afterward, he was unable to meet a woman he could refer to as his "wife." Ratan nearly got married in Los Angeles, but he was unable to do so since he had to see his grandma shortly after.
What is the conclusion of Ratan Tata? ›
Conclusion: Ratan Tata's tenure as the leader of the Tata Group stands as a beacon of exemplary leadership. His visionary perspective, commitment to ethical governance, and dedication to societal impact have set a high standard for corporate leaders worldwide.
