FICCI mourns demise of veteran industry leader Ratan Tata

New Delhi: Mourning the demise of top industry leader Ratan Tata, industry chamber FICCI on Thursday said that the Tata group chairman emeritus has left behind a legacy that indelibly shaped the landscape of Indian business and philanthropy.

"Mr Tata, who was Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, was a philanthropist par excellence. Under his leadership he ensured that resources are put into critical areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development, touching millions of lives across India. His personal investments in startups and mentoring of young entrepreneurs in his later years further demonstrated his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country," the industry body said.

Ficci said in a media release that Ratan Tata’s contribution in the Indian industry is all encompassing with special contributions in entrepreneurship, start-ups and corporate social responsibility.

"His receipt of an honorary knighthood (GBE) from the United Kingdom in 2014 underscored his global stature. His strategic acumen was matched by his dedication to ethical business practices," it said.

Ficci said that his tenure at the helm of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012 saw the transformation of the company from a largely domestic entity to a global powerhouse, setting new benchmarks for Indian businesses on the world stage.

FICCI President Dr Anish Shah said, "FICCI remembers Mr Ratan Tata not just as a successful businessman but as a role model who embodied the values of integrity, humility, and social responsibility. His vision of ethical capitalism and his efforts to use business as a force for societal good have inspired generations of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders."