Ratan Tata is an Indian businessman and philanthropist who was the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 to 2012. Under his leadership, the Tata Group became one of the largest and most respected companies in India, with interests in a wide range of industries including steel, automobiles, software, and hospitality. Tata is also known for his philanthropic work, and has established several charitable trusts that support education, healthcare, and the welfare of underprivileged communities in India.
Born in 1937 in Mumbai, Tata is the grandson of the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata. He earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University in the United States, and later completed a management course at Harvard Business School. After working briefly in the United States, Tata returned to India to join the Tata Group in 1962. He worked in various roles within the company before being appointed chairman in 1991.
During his tenure as chairman, Tata oversaw several major acquisitions and expansions of the Tata Group, including the acquisition of British steelmaker Corus in 2007, and the launch of the Nano, a low-cost car aimed at the Indian market. He also championed sustainability and social responsibility within the company, and was known for his commitment to ethical business practices.
Tata stepped down as chairman of Tata Sons in 2012, but remains active in philanthropy and business. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Indian industry and society, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.
Here are 15 inspiring quotes from Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, on life, business, and success:
- “I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
- “I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”
- “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
- “Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument.”
- “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! Likewise, none can destroy a person, but his own mindset can.”
- “I may have hurt some people along the way, but I would like to be seen as somebody who has done his best to do the right thing for any situation and not compromised.”
- “I have always been very conscious that you have to run an organization that is not just successful but also has a soul.”
- “I have a vision of India: an India where every Indian is educated and skilled, where every Indian is healthy and prosperous, an India where every Indian lives with dignity and pride.”
- “Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.”
- “I have always been very clear that when I am done, I will be the first to go and the Tata group should be bigger, stronger, and better.”
- “I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person, but I can’t respect him.”
- “If you want to be an entrepreneur, it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It defines you. Forget about vacations, about going home at 6 PM. Last thing at night, you’ll send emails. First thing in the morning, you’ll read emails. And you’ll wake up in the middle of the night. But it’s hugely rewarding as you’re fulfilling something for yourself.”
- “The day I am not able to fly will be a sad day for me.”
- “One has to be a low achiever to be happy. Once you are a high achiever, it is difficult to be happy.”
- “I have always been very proud of being an Indian. It’s a country that has always been tolerant of different religions, races, and cultures.”
Ratan Tata has worked tirelessly to promote the growth and development of Indian industry and society, and to instill a sense of pride and achievement among the people of India. Here are a few examples of his efforts:
- Promoting Indian Manufacturing: Ratan Tata has been a strong advocate for the development of India’s manufacturing sector, and has worked to position the Tata Group as a leader in this area. He has championed initiatives such as the “Make in India” campaign, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment to the sector.
- Philanthropy: Ratan Tata has established several charitable trusts that support education, healthcare, and the welfare of underprivileged communities in India. These include the Tata Trusts, which are among the largest philanthropic organizations in India, and the Tata Education and Development Trust, which supports educational initiatives across the country.
- Innovation: Ratan Tata has been a strong supporter of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and has encouraged young people to pursue their ideas and dreams. He has invested in several startups and technology ventures, and has also launched initiatives such as the Tata Nano car, which was designed to provide affordable transportation to the masses.
- Ethical Business Practices: Ratan Tata has been a vocal advocate for ethical business practices in India, and has worked to promote transparency, accountability, and responsibility in the corporate sector. He has implemented strict codes of conduct and governance structures within the Tata Group, and has been recognized for his commitment to ethical leadership.
Overall, Ratan Tata’s work has helped to build a sense of pride and achievement among the people of India, by promoting economic growth, social welfare, and ethical business practices. He is widely respected as a visionary leader and a true champion of Indian industry and society.