Industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. After his death, many leaders expressed their grief and shared stories about their association with the star. Google CEO Sundar Pichai recalled his last meeting with Tata at the X post.
Photosi wrote that the Tata Group Chairman Emeritus was very passionate about making India better, and that they were talking about Google’s autonomous driving technology. Photosi noted that the vision of the late industrialist was inspiring.
Saying that Tata was key to mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India, Photosary wrote, “My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about Waymo’s progress and his perspective was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and has been instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India. He cared deeply about making India better. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” Photosi wrote on his X account.
My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about Waymo’s progress and his perspective was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and has been instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India. He seriously…
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024
Elon Musk to Ratan Tata
Tata has also been an inspiration to world leaders. In a 2009 interview with American journalist and talk show host Charlie Rose, billionaire Elon Musk praised Tata’s vision. During the interview, Rose asked about Tata’s cheapest car in the Indian market – the Tata Nano. “Take Ratan Tata for a moment, what he’s doing in India – building a small sedan for $2300. Where do you put that in the whole equation of where the future of cars is?” Rose asked.
In his response, Musk said that it is a good idea to have affordable cars. “But I think the problem with something like Nano … I won’t say it’s a problem because I think, maybe it’s a good idea and Ratan is a decent man and a scholar,” he added.
He fulfilled his promise to build the cheapest car in the world.
– Ratan Tata wanted to build a car, which the middle class people of India could not afford so he fulfilled his promise and launched Tata Nano for $1,200 ($1 lakh) in 2008.
– @ElonMusk and share his thoughts about… pic.twitter.com/QqTY5KuQLK
— Nico Garcia (@nicogarcia) August 26, 2024
Bill Gates to Ratan Tata
Billionaire and Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, last met Tata on his last visit to India in 2023. During their meeting, Gates was seen giving Tata copies of his books – ‘How to Prevent the Next Pandemic’ and ‘How to Avoid. Climate Crisis’.
Our chairman and founder, @BillGates had an enriching conversation with him @RNTata2000 & N. Chandrasekaran, about their philanthropic initiatives. We look forward to strengthening our work with collaborations in health, diagnostics, and nutrition. pic.twitter.com/Xqs1hooDyX
– Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) March 1, 2023
The former Tata Group Chairman was in critical condition and receiving intensive care in Mumbai due to prolonged illness. Earlier this week, Tata spoke about a routine medical check-up due to age-related health problems.
In 2008, Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honor, following the Padma Bhushan in 2000. Tata’s leadership and contributions to business and society have left an indelible mark on the Indian business landscape.