Reports of Tata scion, Ratan Tata in ‘critical’ condition have been emerging since evening. He is said to be admitted at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Tata was admitted to the hospital on Monday regarding age related conditions.
“He is in the hospital now… We shall be issuing an official statement tomorrow (Thursday) morning,” an official close to Ratan Tata told news agency IANS this evening.
Is Ratan Tata’s health critical?
While updates are awaited regarding the 86 year old’s health, speculations regarding this was intense earlier this week when there were rumors all over social media with his fans and followers showing concern for him.
In response to the concerns about his health, the good spirited corporate giant had issued a statement saying: “I am aware of the recent rumours circulating regarding my health and want to assure everyone that these claims are unfounded. I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits and request that the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation.”
Tata is not as active in the day-to-day running of the group as he used to be, but is consulted on big decisions by the Tata Sons leadership, a senior company executive told Reuters.
His current condition is said to be serious, but the Tata Group officials have not confirmed or denied anything.
The genteel businessman is immensely popular in the country for his mannerism and seen as an epitome of kindness. Born on December 28, 1937, into the prominent and powerful Tata family, Ratan Tata studied architecture and structural engineering at Cornell University and later completed a management program at Harvard Business School.
In 1991, Tata became the chairman of the Tata Group, guiding the company through a period of globalization and expansion. Under his leadership, the group made bold acquisitions transforming Tata into a global brand. He founded telecommunications company Tata Teleservices (TTML.NS), opens new tab in 1996 and took IT company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS), opens new tab public in 2004. Tata also serves on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase, according to his profile on the Tata Sons website.
He has close to 10 million followers on Instagram. Tata follows only two accounts: Small Animal Hospital, Mumbai and Tata Trusts.
Here are a few key facts about one of the celebrated businessman of India:
Tata Group leader
Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, at a time when India’s economy was just opening up to the world. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded significantly, both in India and internationally. Ratan Tata’s most notable achievement is transforming Tata from a largely domestic player into a global powerhouse. He did not just place Tata Group on the global business map, but also gave India a platform to showcase its business prowess.
His commitment to philanthropy is inspiration
Ratan Tata is as much a philanthropist as he is a business leader. Through these trusts, Ratan Tata has been instrumental in funding projects in education, healthcare, rural development, and scientific research.
His simplicity makes him a perfect role model for young and old alike
Ratan Tata is renowned for his humility and simple lifestyle. He is known to live modestly, avoiding the flamboyance that is typically associated with billionaires. He never married and has often spoken about his personal values, which include integrity, honesty, and empathy. His leadership style is characterized by quiet determination and a people-first approach. Even in retirement, he remains actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and guiding business leaders.
He has received several honours
Ratan Tata’s contributions to business and society have been widely recognized. He has received numerous national and international awards, including India’s civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008, and the Padma Bhushan in 2000. He was also awarded honorary degrees from several prestigious universities, including Harvard and Cambridge. Apart from national honours he had also received honours from state governments. He received ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ in 2006 for contribution to public administration in Maharashtra and ‘Assam Baibhav’ in 2021 for his work in furthering cancer care in Assam.
A dutiful citizen
Not just a businessman, Ratan Tata was a dutiful citizen as well. “Monday is voting day in Mumbai. I urge all Mumbaikars to go out and vote responsibly,” he had tweeted in May.
