Opinion: Ratan Tata whose life is an inspiration and who became immortal even after death

Author: Aparna Rastogi
On the evening of 28 December 1937, a child was born in a middle-class family of Mumbai. The name of that child was Ratan Navroz Tata. Ratan’s family was linked to the patriarch of Indian industry, Jamsetji Tata. his/her grandfather laid the foundation of Indian industry and established many important institutions during his/her time. Ratan felt the impact of his/her grandfather’s actions since childhood. he/she listened to his/her grandfather’s stories and always wondered if he/she too would be able to follow in his/her footsteps one day.

Ratan’s mother Sonu Tata and father Navroz Tata always inspired him/her to focus on education. Ratan was educated in Mumbai and became an intelligent and hard-working student. However, there were difficulties in his/her life also. When Ratan was only 10 years old, his/her parents got divorced. It was a difficult time, but it made Ratan stronger. he/she started living with his/her grandmother, who taught him/her about the values ​​and struggles of life.

Ratan took admission in Cornell University, USA for his/her higher education, where he/she studied Architecture and Management. his/her education gave him/her a broad perspective, but also left him/her with a deep sense of being away from his/her country. While studying in America, he/she recalled his/her grandfather’s words, ‘If you want to make your dreams come true, you have to work hard.’

In 1962, Ratan started working as an employee in the Tata Group. In the beginning he/she was often ignored by others and had to prove that he/she was a capable leader. he/she first worked on a small project, but his/her talent was soon recognized.

leadership journey

In 1991, Ratan Tata took over the leadership of the Tata Group. he/she took many important decisions, one of which was the production of Tata Nano. It was the dream of becoming the cheapest car in the world. Ratan worked hard to launch the Nano in the market, but faced heavy criticism when its sales were not as expected. At this time Ratan was heartbroken. he/she wondered, ‘Did I make the wrong decision?’ But his/her grandmother’s words started echoing in his/her mind, ‘In every difficulty there is an opportunity.’

Ratan learned from his/her experiences and decided to move forward with a new approach. he/she not only changed Nano’s strategy but also inspired his/her team to come up with new ideas. It was a reflection of his/her ability that he/she not only made a failure successful but also showed determination in his/her intentions.

global identity

Ratan Tata not only made Tata Nano successful again, but he/she also made several other important acquisitions. he/she gave global recognition to Tata Group by purchasing Jaguar and Land Rover. It set a new benchmark for India at the international level. his/her move gave a new direction to the Indian industry and made the Tata Group a powerful brand.

Ratan’s success story was not limited to business only. he/she always worked for the betterment of the society. Through Tata Trust he/she ran many important schemes for education, health and social development. he/she believed, ‘The real meaning of success is to contribute to the well-being of others.’ he/she said, ‘Always remember that real entrepreneurship is the one that works to change the society.’

Social service and impact

Ratan Tata always worked for the betterment of the society. he/she made many schemes to improve health facilities, raise the level of education and provide employment opportunities for the poor. Through Tata Trust he/she established many hospitals and helped many educational institutions.

One of his/her famous quotes is, ‘I have a dream for my country, where every person gets his/her rights.’ To bring change in the society, he/she inspired the youth to run after their dreams and work for the upliftment of the society.

End and legacy

On 9 October 2024, Ratan Tata died in Mumbai. his/her passing was not just the end of an individual, but the end of an era. The work he/she did and his/her attitude made him/her a great leader. he/she taught us that real success does not just mean being successful in business but also serving the society.

Her inspiring journey reminds us that it is possible to shine like the moon if we work hard for our dreams and never give up. The life story of Ratan Tata proves that real success lies in struggling to make dreams come true. The achievements he/she achieved in his/her life will continue to inspire us. his/her story will be a source of inspiration for every youth, showing that despite difficulties, if your intentions are strong, you can achieve any goal.

Ratan Tata’s legacy still lives on. his/her thoughts and works teach us that we should always be one step ahead to bring positive change in the society. his/her name will be held with respect not only in the Indian industry but all over the world. The ideals he/she set in his/her life will always inspire us to keep moving towards our goals and work for the betterment of others.

his/her story teaches that true leadership is that which is done for the upliftment of others. Ratan Tata proved that if there is true hard work and dedication in the heart, any dream can be realized.

The author is an Assistant Professor at NIFT Bhubaneswar.