Remembering Ratan Tata: Remarkable life journey in 10 iconic pictures

Ratan Naval Tata, one of India's most cherished industrialists who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate, died Wednesday. He was 86. He breathed his last at south Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm yesterday. A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Ratan Tata had been in intensive care at the hospital since Monday.

Known for his astute leadership, strong work ethics and vision, Ratan Tata stood out as a prominent business mogul and philanthropist whose success story profoundly impacted the India's economy. Ratan Tata's legacy is not just one of towering business achievements but deeply rooted in the ethos of putting "India and Indians first." A revered figure in India, Ratan Tata's unparalled legacy is multi-faceted.

As the nation mourns the national icon, here's a look at his life in pictures.

Ratan Tata was schooled at Campion and then at Cathedral and John Connon (both in Bombay), where he spent the last three of his schooling years. At Cornell, he studied architecture and structural engineering. Ratan Tata was charmed by California and that West Coast lifestyle he was ready to settle down in Los Angeles. But he was forced to return to India when his grandmother Lady Navajbai fell ill and called for him.

Back in India, Ratan Tata had a job offer from IBM and started working with the Tata Industries. He built his career from the ground up, worked with different companies within the Tata Group and eventually became the director of National Radio and Electronics (NELCO) in 1971. It took him nine years to move from an apprentice to a director but he never shied away from working hard.

ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for ‘Iron Man’ Ratan Tata; Here's what leaders and business giants said

Under his stewardship, the conglomerate embarked on a massive expansion drive, snapping iconic British assets including steelmaker Corus and luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover. Its two-and-half-dozen listed firms now make coffee and cars, salt and software, steel and power, run airlines and introduced India's first super app.

ALSO READ: Ratan Tata passes away at 86; meet his successors, the next-gen Tata scions

Ratan Tata often posted pictures posing with his flurry friends on social media. Tata Sons' global headquarters at Bombay House is home to several strays who are looked after by the group. Ratan Tata also found his assistant Shantanu Naidu through their mutual love for dogs. Naidu connected with Tata when he sought funding for his first startup, Motopaws, a social enterprise that provided reflective collars for street dogs.

ALSO READ: A Legacy of Innovation: How Ratan Tata impacted millions beyond the boardroom

Widely known for his philanthropist activities, Ratan Tata donated Rs 500 crore when the world was fighting the deadly pandemic, a move that earned him numerous praises. Ratan Tata also donated $50 million to his alma mater, Harvard Business School for building an executive center.

In 2008, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India. He was also a recipient of Padma Bhushan in 2000. He had also received honorary doctorates from several universities in India and overseas.