Ratan Naval Tata is no more. He passed away on October 9 at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital. He was celebrated for his virtuous leadership of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates. A visionary and a revered figure in Indian business, he took our country on a global path. By entering new businesses and building brands, he increased the Tata Group’s revenue from $4 billion when he took over to over $100 billion when he stepped down, giving it an imposing global presence.

Ratan Tata’s tenure included international expansions and notable strategic acquisitions like Tetley Tea, Corus, and Jaguar Land Rover. However, not all ventures were successful; the Nano car and the Corus deal faced significant setbacks. Despite these challenges, Tata’s leadership was marked by ethical business practices, significant philanthropic efforts, and no scandals. His approach to business and charity earned him widespread respect and affection across India, highlighted by national mourning and tributes at his passing.

“Think big. Act big”. This seemed to be his life’s mantra. He knew the art of turning his life’s mantra into a formidable action plan. This led to the Tata Group’s renaissance as an unbeatable global business power. His five revival mantras for his group were:

First, he adopted a new retirement policy to attract younger persons with credible records.

Second, he tightened the company’s headquarters grip and made the group companies pay royalties to the Tata brand.

Third, he got into telecom, finance, and car manufacturing ventures.

Fourth, he made signature global acquisitions.

Fifth, the Indica was his first indigenous car, followed by the Nano. It is a different matter that the Nano’s ‘cheap’ tag proved costly.

The Tata Nano may have fallen short of expectations after its 2008 launch, but Ratan Tata’s vision was rooted in his desire to improve the safety of two-wheeler riders by offering an affordable four-wheeler alternative. Indeed, Tata leaves a legacy of tapping into an underserved market through a bottom-of-the-pyramid strategy.

In his 21-year career, he struck over 60 deals. His legacy was one of innovation, whether the Nano, the Swach water purifier, or the Zudio retail chain. He controlled over 30 companies that operated in over 100 countries. Still, he was unassuming and gentle.

Apart from being an astute industrialist and visionary, he was also philanthropic and gave away a good amount of his money for the well-being of society. As the chairman of Tata Trusts, he enabled countless NGOs to bring about transformative social changes and have a mark in society.

Ratan Tata was a dog lover. His love for dogs went beyond mere companionship; it touched the heart of his humanitarian spirit. At Tata headquarters and the Taj Hotel, he implemented pet-friendly policies, creating spaces where animals are not just allowed but welcomed. His advocacy for animal welfare resonates through his efforts to elevate awareness about animal rights and responsible pet ownership. Through his influence, he protected these gentle creatures and kindled similar compassion in others, spreading a message of kindness and care for all living beings.

He was chairman of Tata Sons for more than two decades, during which time the conglomerate expanded its operations. He set up institutes of excellence like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and funded education initiatives all over India. He also laid the foundation of health care institutions, and thereby, Tata Trust gained momentum.

However, his experience in the airline business was challenging. The purchase of Air India, saddled with over ?60,000 crore in debt, old aircraft, inefficient employees, and a culture, raised many eyebrows. But the government later sweetened the deal. Finally, Tata Sons bought the airline for ?18,000 crore.

Ratan Tata’s leadership style was deeply rooted in humility and solid human values. Despite his vast successes, he remained approachable, treating everyone with respect and genuine concern for his employees and the broader community.

As a visionary leader, he prioritized sustainable growth over short-term achievements, steering the Tata Group to global prominence with a focus on stability and long-term success. He led with integrity, ethical practices, and social responsibility, and his commitment to giving back was evident in numerous philanthropic initiatives that made tangible differences in people’s lives. Tata fostered a trusting environment, empowering his employees to make decisions and take initiative, which drove innovation and built a strong, collaborative team culture.

Good leaders like Ratan Tata inspire not just through their achievements but also through their character and ability to uplift others around them. He truly exemplified what it meant to lead with both heart and vision.

-by Hari Jaisingh