Ratan Tata, the Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, is an icon of humility, ethics, and innovation in business. While many are familiar with his significant contributions to India’s corporate landscape, there are still lesser-known aspects of his life and personality that continue to inspire millions.
1. He Nearly Became a Pilot
Ratan Tata once aspired to be a pilot, and he even secured his flying license in the United States. However, destiny had other plans for him in the business world. Later, his love for aviation did not fade, and he became the first Indian to fly an F-16 Falcon in 2007 at the Aero India show.
Quote:
“Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument
2. He Turned Down a Job Offer from IBM
After completing his studies at Cornell University in the USA, Ratan Tata received a job offer from IBM, which was a prestigious opportunity. However, he chose to return to India and join the Tata Group, determined to carry forward his family legacy.
Quote:
“I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
3. The Man Behind India’s First Indigenously Developed Car: Tata Indica
Ratan Tata’s vision led to the creation of the Tata Indica in 1998, which was India’s first fully indigenous passenger car. This move not only revolutionized the Indian automobile industry but also established Tata Motors as a global competitor. Visit: https://toptenplus.in/tata-curvv-ev-the-next-generation-electric-car-2024/
Quote:
“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.”
4. He Is an Architect by Training
While he is renowned for his business acumen, Ratan Tata’s educational background is in architecture. He graduated with a degree in Architecture from Cornell University. This creative side is reflected in his unique business innovations and his appreciation for design and technology.
Quote:
“I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”
5. He Played a Crucial Role in Acquiring Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)
In 2008, Tata Motors, under Ratan Tata’s leadership, acquired the iconic British brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Many skeptics doubted the success of this deal. However, Ratan Tata proved them wrong by turning JLR into one of Tata Motors’ most profitable acquisitions.
Quote:
“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person but their own mindset.”
6. He Is a Philanthropist at Heart
Though Ratan Tata is one of India’s most celebrated businessmen, he has always shied away from the spotlight. Approximately 65% of his wealth is invested in charitable causes through Tata Trusts, focusing on health, education, and rural development. His philanthropic efforts have positively impacted millions of lives in India. Visit: https://www.tatatrusts.org/
Quote:
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
7. He Is a Lover of Dogs
Despite his busy schedule, Ratan Tata always finds time for his love for animals, especially dogs. In fact, the headquarters of Tata Group in Mumbai, Bombay House, has a special kennel for stray dogs, allowing them to rest safely during the monsoon season.
Quote:
“Business need to go beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve.”
8. He Was Rejected Once for Marriage
Ratan Tata’s personal life has been kept very private, but he once mentioned that he came close to marrying someone while living in the U.S. Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, the relationship did not work out.
Quote:
“I may have hurt some people along the way, but I would not have been true to myself if I had done it any other way.”
9. He Supported the Nano Project Despite Criticism
Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, was a project close to his heart. Even though the car didn’t achieve the commercial success he envisioned, Ratan Tata stood by it because he believed it could change the way the middle class in India traveled.
Quote:
“I would say that one of the things I wish I could do differently would be to be more outgoing.”
10. He Personally Cared for Tata Group’s Employees During Crises
Ratan Tata has always prioritized employee welfare, especially during times of crisis. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, Tata personally visited the families of the victims and ensured that their needs were taken care of by the company.
Quote:
“People still believe what they read is necessarily the truth.”
Conclusion:
Ratan Tata’s humility, foresight, and love for India are just a few qualities that make him one of the most respected business leaders in the world. His dedication to ethical business practices and philanthropy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts globally.
Final Quote to Remember:
“The day I am not able to fly will be a sad day for me.”
Latest Update:
Tata Sons’ former chairperson Ratan Tata was hospitalised in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, on Monday i.e 07th October 2024
Ratan Tata, soon after being hospitalised, issued a clarification about his health. The veteran industrialist said there is no cause for concern regarding his health and he is undergoing check-ups for age-related medical conditions.
Hoping his recovery soon.
FAQs :Ratan Tata-10 Lesser-Known Facts
1. Who is Ratan Tata?
Ratan Tata is an Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and former chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. He is known for his ethical business practices, leadership, and dedication to the growth of Indian industry.
2. What is one unknown fact about Ratan Tata’s personal life?
One lesser-known fact is that Ratan Tata once came close to getting married while living in the U.S., but the relationship didn’t work out due to unforeseen circumstances.
3. Did Ratan Tata always want to join the family business?
No, Ratan Tata originally aspired to be a pilot and even earned a flying license in the U.S. He also received a job offer from IBM but chose to return to India to join the Tata Group.
4. What was Ratan Tata’s contribution to the Indian automobile industry?
Ratan Tata played a pivotal role in launching Tata Indica, India’s first indigenously developed passenger car, and later introduced the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car.
5. What is Ratan Tata’s educational background?
Ratan Tata holds a degree in Architecture from Cornell University. While he later transitioned into business, his love for design and innovation continues to be evident in his work.
6. What was Ratan Tata’s role in the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover?
Ratan Tata led Tata Motors’ acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, despite skepticism from many. The deal turned out to be a highly profitable one, solidifying Tata Motors’ global reputation.
7. Is Ratan Tata involved in philanthropy?
Yes, Ratan Tata is deeply involved in philanthropy. About 65% of his wealth is directed to charitable causes through Tata Trusts, which focus on health, education, and rural development.
8. What are some of Ratan Tata’s famous quotes?
Here are a few famous quotes by Ratan Tata:
- “I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
- “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
- “Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument.”
9. How does Ratan Tata show his love for animals?
Ratan Tata is a passionate animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs. The Tata Group’s headquarters, Bombay House, even has a dedicated kennel for stray dogs to provide them shelter during the monsoon season.
10. What business philosophy does Ratan Tata follow?
Ratan Tata believes in ethical leadership and long-term goals over short-term gains. His quote, “Business need to go beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve,” reflects his approach to business.
11. Why did Ratan Tata support the Tata Nano project despite criticism?
Ratan Tata stood by the Tata Nano project because he believed it could revolutionize transportation for India’s middle class, offering them an affordable and reliable car. Though it didn’t meet commercial success, it remains one of his most ambitious projects.
12. What is Ratan Tata’s role in employee welfare?
Ratan Tata has always prioritized the welfare of his employees. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, he personally visited the families of affected employees and ensured that their needs were taken care of by the Tata Group.
13. How did Ratan Tata influence the Tata Group’s global expansion?
Ratan Tata was instrumental in transforming the Tata Group from an Indian conglomerate into a global powerhouse, with notable acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel.
14. Why did Ratan Tata choose to fly an F-16 fighter jet?
In 2007, Ratan Tata became the first Indian to fly the F-16 Falcon fighter jet during the Aero India show. His love for aviation and adventure motivated him to undertake this challenge.
15. What is one of Ratan Tata’s most well-known quotes on success and failure?
Ratan Tata is known for his grounded perspective on success and failure. He famously said, “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.”