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Al JazeeraOct 11, 2022
Indian Business Icon Ratan Tata Dies at 86
Above: People gather to pay their respects to Indian industrialist Ratan Tata ahead of its cremation in Mumbai on Oct. 10, 2024. Image copyright: SUJIT JAISWAL/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Ratan Tata, the former head of Tata Sons — one of India's largest firms and among the country's most globally recognized business faces — died Wednesday at the age of 86.
The Mumbai-born industrialist, who set out working on the shop floor of his family business and never married, headed Tata Sons between 1991 and 2012.
The Spin
Narrative A
Ratan Tata, a visionary business leader and philanthropist, transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse while maintaining a focus on social responsibility. His innovative approach, exemplified by the affordable Tata Nano car, improved lives across India. Tata's extraordinary generosity, particularly towards education and research, left an indelible mark on Cornell University and beyond. His humility, kindness, and commitment to public good set a sterling example of ethical leadership in the business world.
Narrative B
The Tata Group, despite its carefully cultivated image of ethical capitalism and the late Ratan Tata's many achievements, had much to hide and be embarrassed about. The company's philanthropic efforts often served to control labor and maintain social hierarchies. Additionally, while presenting itself as a nationalist enterprise, Tata's success relied heavily on international connections. The company's recent involvement in contentious issues like land acquisition and agricultural reforms further challenged its self-portrayal as a force for national good.