India on Sunday paid tribute to late Ratan Tata on his 88th birth anniversary, as political leaders, industrialists and institutions gathered to remember the businessman.Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran paid homage to Ratan Tata at Bombay House, garlanding the statue of the late industrialist and philanthropist, Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group.Recalling his contribution, Tata Trusts said, “Under his guidance, philanthropy evolved from charity to a strategic, results-driven approach, addressing healthcare, education, livelihood, women-empowerment, and more—with a focus on long-term transformation and community resilience.”The organization further added that Tata’s vision went beyond merely addressing socio-economic gaps. “It calls for collaboration between innovation, supportive technology, and a deep understanding of local needs, ensuring that solutions are thoughtful, scalable, and reach those who need them the most,” the post read.Tata Consulting Engineers also took to X, commemorating the late businessman. Union home minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the late industrialist, writing he “reshaped Indian enterprise with integrity and compassion. From building indigenous industry to selfless philanthropy, he showed that true success lies in service to the nation. His legacy will inspire a self-reliant Bharat,” Shah wrote on X.Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis remembered Ratan Tata as a visionary leader who built trust alongside global businesses. “A leader who built not just enterprises, but trust, compassion, and faith Indian excellence, globally. His humility and vision remain a guiding light for every aspiring entrepreneur and citizen,” Fadnavis said.Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu also paid his respects, describing Ratan Tata as a leader whose values would continue to inspire generations. “Fondly remembering Shri Ratan Tata Ji on his birth anniversary. A visionary industrialist and compassionate leader, he devoted his life to business excellence and philanthropy. His integrity, humility, and commitment to society will continue to inspire us all. My humble tributes to him,” Naidu wrote on X.Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Ratan Tata’s legacy would remain a source of inspiration. “Homage to the titan of India Inc, Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Tata on his birth anniversary. A visionary, he redefined India’s industrial and business landscape with ethical and compassionate leadership,” he said.Union minister Piyush Goyal also remembered the former Tata Group chairman, noting the lasting impact of his leadership. “On his Jayanti, I fondly remember Shri Ratan Tata ji with deep admiration and respect. His leadership seamlessly blended innovation with compassion, redefining the role of Indian enterprise in national development. The institutions he nurtured and the values he championed continue to guide generations,” Goyal wrote.Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Ratan Tata’s life of integrity, humility and compassion, along with his commitment to philanthropy and nation-building, set a benchmark for ethical leadership.YSRCP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also remembered him, writing on X, “Paying tributes to the ‘Jewel of India’ Ratan Tata on his birthday. His entrepreneurship took Indian industry to a global level, and his legacy continues to guide us”.Born into the Tata family founded by his great-grandfather Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Naval Tata studied architecture at Cornell University and returned to India in 1962 to join the group.Ratan Tata played a major role in expanding the Tata Group into a global conglomerate with businesses across steel, automobiles, software and telecommunications. He took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, succeeding JRD Tata. During his tenure, he introduced major organizational reforms, including setting retirement ages and encouraging younger leaders to take on senior responsibilities. He led several landmark international acquisitions, like Tetley Tea in 2000 and Land Rover from Ford in 2008. Ratan Tata also played a crucial role in the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022 and launched the Tata Nano, a low-cost car aimed at making personal transport more affordable. After stepping away from active leadership, he became a prominent investor in Indian start-ups, supporting firms such as Paytm, Ola Electric and Urban Company. He received numerous national and international honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Other recognitions included the Assam Baibhav in 2021, Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia in 2023, an Honorary Doctor of Science from IIT Bombay in 2008, the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2014 and the Honorary Citizen Award from Singapore in 2008. Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, last year, at the age of 86. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic organizations.
