Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and a towering figure in India’s industrial landscape, has passed away at the age of 86. He breathed his last on Thursday in Mumbai, after being admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Despite being shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU), his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.
Just days earlier, on October 7, Tata himself had dismissed concerns about his health. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he assured the public that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups for age-related conditions, requesting that the media refrain from spreading false rumors. “There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits,” he had stated.
Sudden Decline in Health
Reports suggest that Tata had been suffering from low blood pressure, a condition that can arise from several factors such as dehydration or side effects from medications. Orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops when standing up too quickly, is another possible cause, according to medical experts.
A Legacy Beyond Compare
Ratan Tata’s death marks the end of a legendary era for India’s business world. Taking over as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, he played a pivotal role in transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate. Under his leadership, the group ventured into telecommunications by founding Tata Teleservices in 1996, and he took Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) public in 2004, solidifying the group’s presence in the IT sector.
Retiring in 2012, Tata’s influence on the conglomerate and the country’s corporate world remains immense. His legacy not only includes the growth of Tata Group but also his humility and visionary leadership, which have inspired millions. Ratan Tata’s contributions to Indian industry will be remembered for generations.