India’s Tata Group to merge Air India with Vistara airlines
Al JazeeraMAR 12 2023
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. He was 86.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.
Under him, the group set landmarks like the buying of tea-maker Tetley in 2000 and Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, and launching the $2K micro-car Nano in 2009.Under him, the conglomerate bought the Tetley Group in 2000 and Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 as well as launched a $2K micro-car in 2009.
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.
The Tata Group, despite its carefully cultivated image of ethical capitalism and despite 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. While presenting itself as a nationalist enterprise, Tata's success relied heavily on international connections. Its recent involvement in contentious issues like land acquisition and agricultural reforms further challenges its self-portrayal as a force for national good.