Ratan Naval Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 86. According to reports, he had been in intensive care at a hospital in Mumbai. In a statement, Tata Group expressed their deep sorrow, saying, “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”
Ratan Tata led the Tata Group for over two decades as chairman, significantly shaping the conglomerate into one of India’s most respected and influential business entities. His leadership extended far beyond business, influencing the social and cultural landscape of India.
Aside from his business acumen, Ratan Tata was known for his passion for sports and his unwavering support for Indian athletes, particularly cricketers. The Tata Group has provided financial backing, employment, and opportunities to many Indian sports figures throughout the years.
Several Indian cricketers have benefited from the conglomerate’s support, including former cricketer Farokh Engineer, who was backed by Tata Motors. Air India, once part of the Tata Group, played a crucial role in the careers of cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, and VVS Laxman. Similarly, Indian Airlines, also linked to the Tata Group, was instrumental in supporting players such as Javagal Srinath, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Mohammed Kaif.
More recently, Shardul Thakur (Tata Power) and Jayant Yadav (Air India) have benefited from Tata Group’s support, while former cricketer and current BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar also received backing from Tata Steel during his career.
Ratan Tata’s legacy extends well beyond the boardroom, touching the lives of millions in India, including the country’s sporting community, who remember him as a visionary leader and generous supporter.
