“I don’t believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right.”
These words of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, continue to resonate across India, even as the nation marks his first death anniversary today, October 9, 2025.
A year after his passing, Tata is remembered as a leader whose vision and ethical approach shaped both Indian business and philanthropy. Yet, his absence comes at a time when the conglomerate he led is facing internal turmoil within Tata Trusts, the charitable arm that controls a 66% stake in Tata Sons.
Even in everyday moments, Tata remained approachable. He was often seen walking in Colaba, engaging with locals, or quietly supporting charitable causes, reflecting a leadership style that combined business acumen with grounded humanity.
A year without Tata and emerging challenges
Following Tata’s death in October 2024, the Tata Trusts, led by Noel Tata, has been embroiled in infighting among trustees over board appointments and governance matters. A split has emerged between a group aligned with Noel Tata and four trustees led by Mehli Mistry, tied to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, which holds an 18.37% stake in Tata Sons.
The dispute has revolved around board nominations, most recently the reappointment of Vijay Singh to Tata Sons, which was rejected, leading to Singh’s voluntary resignation.
Reports suggest the unrest could affect the functioning of the $180 billion conglomerate, with government intervention reportedly under consideration to preserve the group’s legacy. The situation marks the fragility of corporate governance even within one of India’s most respected business houses.
Ratan Tata: From humble beginnings to corporate leadership
Ratan Tata was born in 1937 as the eldest son of Naval Tata and Sooni Tata. He faced early challenges, including his parents’ separation, and was largely raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata.
After completing his engineering degree at Cornell University and a management program at Harvard Business School, he joined the Tata Group in 1962.
Over the decades, he rose to lead the conglomerate, taking over as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991.
Transforming the Tata Group
Tata’s influence extended far beyond corporate strategy. Under his leadership, the group ventured into diverse sectors, including telecom and passenger cars, launching Indica, India’s first indigenous car, and the Nano, recognised as the world’s most affordable vehicle.
He also introduced Ginger, a budget hotel chain, and oversaw more than 60 acquisitions that expanded the group globally. The decision to take Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) public was a defining moment, marking the only major Tata company to go public. Tata’s tenure also faced challenges, including political hurdles during the Nano project, and the controversial succession decisions involving Cyrus Mistry and later N. Chandrasekaran.
Yet, he navigated these with his characteristic steadiness, prioritizing the group’s long-term vision.
A legacy beyond business
Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, Tata consistently credited his success to his team. Outside the boardroom, his quiet strength and philanthropy left a profound impact on healthcare, education, and rural development, including cancer care facilities and India’s largest tertiary care center for small animals in Mumbai.
Even in retirement, he continued to invest in startups like Upstox, FirstCry, and Ola Electric, showing unwavering support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
These words of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, continue to resonate across India, even as the nation marks his first death anniversary today, October 9, 2025.
A year after his passing, Tata is remembered as a leader whose vision and ethical approach shaped both Indian business and philanthropy. Yet, his absence comes at a time when the conglomerate he led is facing internal turmoil within Tata Trusts, the charitable arm that controls a 66% stake in Tata Sons.
Even in everyday moments, Tata remained approachable. He was often seen walking in Colaba, engaging with locals, or quietly supporting charitable causes, reflecting a leadership style that combined business acumen with grounded humanity.
A year without Tata and emerging challenges
Following Tata’s death in October 2024, the Tata Trusts, led by Noel Tata, has been embroiled in infighting among trustees over board appointments and governance matters. A split has emerged between a group aligned with Noel Tata and four trustees led by Mehli Mistry, tied to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, which holds an 18.37% stake in Tata Sons.
The dispute has revolved around board nominations, most recently the reappointment of Vijay Singh to Tata Sons, which was rejected, leading to Singh’s voluntary resignation.
Reports suggest the unrest could affect the functioning of the $180 billion conglomerate, with government intervention reportedly under consideration to preserve the group’s legacy. The situation marks the fragility of corporate governance even within one of India’s most respected business houses.
Ratan Tata: From humble beginnings to corporate leadership
Ratan Tata was born in 1937 as the eldest son of Naval Tata and Sooni Tata. He faced early challenges, including his parents’ separation, and was largely raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata.
After completing his engineering degree at Cornell University and a management program at Harvard Business School, he joined the Tata Group in 1962.
Over the decades, he rose to lead the conglomerate, taking over as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991.
Transforming the Tata Group
Tata’s influence extended far beyond corporate strategy. Under his leadership, the group ventured into diverse sectors, including telecom and passenger cars, launching Indica, India’s first indigenous car, and the Nano, recognised as the world’s most affordable vehicle.
He also introduced Ginger, a budget hotel chain, and oversaw more than 60 acquisitions that expanded the group globally. The decision to take Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) public was a defining moment, marking the only major Tata company to go public. Tata’s tenure also faced challenges, including political hurdles during the Nano project, and the controversial succession decisions involving Cyrus Mistry and later N. Chandrasekaran.
Yet, he navigated these with his characteristic steadiness, prioritizing the group’s long-term vision.
A legacy beyond business
Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, Tata consistently credited his success to his team. Outside the boardroom, his quiet strength and philanthropy left a profound impact on healthcare, education, and rural development, including cancer care facilities and India’s largest tertiary care center for small animals in Mumbai.
Even in retirement, he continued to invest in startups like Upstox, FirstCry, and Ola Electric, showing unwavering support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
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