Ratan Tata, Iconic Industrialist, Philanthropist, Passes Away At 86

MUMBAI: Ratan Naval Tata, the veteran industrialist who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, passed away late Wednesday night at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. He was 86. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the news, remembering him as a "friend, mentor and guide."

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As chairman of the $100 billion conglomerate from 1991 to 2012, Tata led the steel-to-software empire with a vision that transcended national boundaries. Under his leadership, the group founded by his great-grandfather reached new heights of innovation and global expansion.

Tributes and condolence messages started pouring in as soon as the news of Tata's demise broke.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, recalled his interactions with Tata fondly: "My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti."

Former Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi extended condolences to the family of Tata. "Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy."

My condolences to his family and the Tata community," he posted on X.