A pioneering tycoon

Ratan Tata, the visionary leader and philanthropist who passed away at 86, was one of India's best business tycoons, and perhaps more than that.

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As the former chairman of Tata Group, he modernised and globalised one of India's oldest and most respected business houses. His innate ability to take audacious risks and execute bold cross-border acquisitions made him one of the most influential figures in Indian corporate history. It's rare for a business tycoon to become a household name, reflections of which can be seen in the tributes pouring in from all sections of society.

Under his leadership, the Tata Group, a conglomerate founded 156 years ago by Jamsetji Tata, evolved into a global powerhouse. Tata's leadership coincided with India's economic liberalisation in the 1990s. He was a man of high ambitions and yet very modest. His acquisitions of British companies like Tetley Tea, Corus, and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) came to symbolise India's rise on the global stage—ensuring that the awe and respect for Tata transce