Ratan Tata

Date of Birth: December 28, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Ratan Naval Tata is an Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and former chairman of Tata Sons. Born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Ratan Tata hails from the prominent Tata family. He is the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tata Group, India’s biggest conglomerate. Ratan Tata was educated at the Campion School in Mumbai before continuing his studies at Cathedral and John Connon School, followed by Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He later graduated with a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962 and completed the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School in 1975. Joining the Tata Group in 1961, Tata initially worked on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He took over as chairman of Tata Sons in 1991, succeeding J.R.D. Tata. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded significantly, acquiring several high-profile companies, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus. Ratan Tata is known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing substantial amounts to education, medicine, and rural development. He retired as chairman of Tata Sons in December 2012 but continues to be involved in various capacities within the group.

5 Interesting Facts about Ratan Tata

1. Ratan Tata turned Tata Group from a largely India-centric group into a global business, with over 65% of revenues coming from overseas operations.

2. He played a key role in the development of the Tata Nano, the world’s most affordable car.

3. Tata is a licensed pilot and has flown several aircraft, including the F-16 fighter jet.

4. Under his leadership, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became the first Indian software company to cross the $1 billion revenue mark.

5. Ratan Tata was awarded India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ratan Tata

1. “I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”

2. “Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.”

3. “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”

4. “Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes.”

5. “Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ratan Tata is estimated to be around $1 billion. However, it is important to note that the majority of Tata Group’s wealth is held in charitable trusts, which diminishes his personal net worth considerably.