Mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, an 86-year-old iconic Industrialist and Philanthropist, who died on October 9, 2024, in Mumbai, India, Indian American leaders honored Tata’s leadership, vision, and ethics, which transformed the corporate landscape in the world’s largest democracy.
Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata’s influence transcended borders, extending its reach even here in Maryland. His leadership in global business and philanthropy has inspired countless individuals within our entrepreneurial and social sectors.”
Miller added that Maryland joins many in paying tribute to Tata’s “compassion, integrity, and innovation,” emphasizing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations globally.
Founder of Indiaspora, MR Rangaswami, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata was not only a visionary business leader but also a beacon of philanthropy whose impact on India and the world will be felt for generations. His legacy of compassion, humility, and dedication to social progress set him apart as a true icon.”
Rangaswami stressed that in Tata’s passing, “We have lost a leader whose wisdom and generosity touched countless lives,” noting Tata exemplified the spirit of service, consistently working to improve the world. His legacy will continue to inspire countless to dream boldly and contribute to society, just as he did.
President of the International Development Foundation, Inc., KV Kumar told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata was the chief architect and icon of the modern Indian Industry. His selfless service to humanity is greatly admired. We shall miss him very dearly, but his legacy will continue to live forever. It was my good fortune that I had the honor of knowing him personally.”
Kumar recalled his meeting with Tata at his office in 1992 in Mumbai. According to Kumar, his company, American Systems, had a partnership with NELCO, a subsidiary of the TATA Group, made possible through Tata’s support.
Dr. Bharat Barai, a prominent community leader based in Chicago, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata was a very dedicated professional who guided Tata group of industries to new heights in a very ethical manner.” He noted that Tata’s visionary leadership created numerous industries across diverse sectors and provided jobs for thousands in India.
Dr. Barai described Tata as a “true visionary,” and a “humble son,” of India.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a Padma Shri recipient and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata was a strong pillar of India’s economy. He was a great philanthropist, who also conducted his businesses in an ethical manner. We will really miss him, and he will continue to be an inspiration for future generation of entrepreneurs.”
Virginia State Delegate (District 26), Kannan Srinivasan, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata was truly a legend. I practiced as a Chartered Accountant in India in late 80s and remember the initiatives he took to grow the Tata business group to great heights.”
Srinivasan noted Tata made significant contributions in the business world, philanthropy, and his love for dogs and small animals is extraordinary. Offering sincere condolences to Tata’s family and friends, Srinivasan conveyed he was at a Loudoun homeless animal shelter when he heard of his passing away.
Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, Srilekha Palle, told South Asian Herald, “Ratan Tata’s legacy extends far beyond business into the heart of the nation and the world. A man of extraordinary grace, dignity, and vision, Ratan Tata transformed Indian industry while remaining a paragon of humility and compassion.”
Palle likened Tata to India’s beloved former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, noting that Tata, too, won the hearts of millions. He stood as a beacon of “integrity, service, and hope.” She underscored that Tata’s contributions not only transformed India’s corporate landscape but also motivated generations to aim higher and act with purpose.
In a statement, President and CEO at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Mukesh Aghi, conveyed “Having once reported to him, I can say that Tata is an iconic brand name today because it was led by an iconic visionary like Ratan Tata. He lived a life full of courage, and conviction and adopted a convivial joie-de-vivre outlook. He was a pillar of integrity even when there was once a time when people were reading negative articles about the culture of business and politics in India.”
According to Aghi, The Tata Group has reached its current standing by consistently following the “Ratan Tata way” – a blend of ethics and excellence.
“We are proud of Tata as our member, and pass on our condolences to the Group, and Mr. Tata’s family, as we remember Ratan Tata,” Aghi said adding Tata was a visionary who transformed his family business into a global empire by always keeping the future and the greater good in mind.
CEO of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, tweeted, “My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo, and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better.”
In a LinkedIn post, Captain Zoya Agarwal, an Air India pilot, shared a memorable experience from flying Tata on a flight from New York City to New Delhi. At the end of the journey, she asked for a picture with him. As she was about to stand up for the photo, Tata kindly said, “Captain, please don’t get up. This is your throne—you’ve earned it.”
Captain Agarwal, who’s also an MBA student at the Columbia Business School in New York City, reflected on this humble gesture, noting that it reinforced many of her own beliefs about true leadership.
Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, also in her LinkedIn post, expressed, “Ratan Tata was an unusual man. Humble, soft spoken, a great listener, deeply committed to India’s future and the role of the Tata group in creating a more forward looking, equitable India.”
Nooyi remembered interacting with Tata on multiple occasions, both in large gatherings and more intimate dinners that included just him and Krishna Kumar, the Director of Tata Sons.
