“I’d like to be remembered as a person who made a difference,” Ratan Tata once said, and he is indeed remembered as one. The veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus died at the age of 86 late on Wednesday. As many on social media have said, the great visionary has left behind shoes that are too large to fit into.
While his life, career and conduct have been inspiring, what has also made him an icon is his words. His interviews with the media have been those to remember and look back at.
In a Network18 interview with Suhel Seth in 2018, Tata said, “I’d like to be remembered as a person who made a difference. Not anything more, not anything less. A person who was able to make a change, who is able to be responsible for some change in the way we look at things.”
‘I’d like to be remembered as a person who made a difference. Not anything more, not anything less.’R.I.P Ratan Tata#ratantata#tata#tatagroup#tatasons#ratan#ripratantata#breakingnewspic.twitter.com/IQgOFgyGXY
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) October 9, 2024
The video clip was also shared by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, who wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sh. Ratan Tata, a visionary business leader, an extraordinary nation-builder, and a remarkable human being. His contributions to industry, society, and humanity have left an indelible legacy. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Sh. Ratan Tata, a visionary business leader, an extraordinary nation-builder, and a remarkable human being.His contributions to industry, society, and humanity have left an indelible legacy.Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones… pic.twitter.com/upU2v8ivwP
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 10, 2024
Rata Tata is known as the man who changed the fortunes of the Tata Group and took it to new heights. “There’s no checklist that tells you that you are going to be backing a winning company,” he had said during the interview, adding that an entrepreneur who enjoys the trust and the confidence and the excitement in new venture is going to be more successful.
In one of his public addresses, Tata also spoke about how he envisioned India as a car maker and Indica came. “The greatest pleasure I’ve had is trying to do something that everybody thought could not be done,” Ratan Tata said at a 2015 speech at the Automotive Hall of Fame Gala, recalling how they created Indica, a car made entirely in India with Indian components.
It was people like #RatanTata who fueled India’s growth in the past century.Rest in Peace to The Titan and a man with zero haters, your absence will be felt as we witness end of an era. pic.twitter.com/hwi2AmCwTD
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) October 9, 2024
“As we got close to launching it, my friends in India somewhat distanced themselves from me, otherwise known as distancing yourself from failure,” Tata said, recalling his struggle while he believed this could be done. “But the car did come out, we did earn a 20 per cent market share and we showed we could do something,” Tata said.
Ratan Tata died at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted since Monday due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and was in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
The Tata family made the announcement of Ratan Tata’s death on Tata Group’s X handle. “We, his brothers, sisters and family, take solace and comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us in person, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations,” the statement read.
