India’s business titan Ratan Tata breathed his last on October 9. The legendary businessman was not just known for his business acumen, he was also adored by young and old alike for his simple views on life and challenges.
A secular living saint
Ratan Tata was born in 1937 to Naval Tata and Sooni Commissariat. He was considered a ‘secular living saint’ that spoke about his decency and integrity in volumes.Tata obtained a B.S. in architecture from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, in 1962 before stepping into his family business. He initially worked on the shop floor, gaining experience in a number of Tata Group businesses before being named director in charge of one of them, the National Radio and Electronics Co in 1971.
He is widely known for his philanthropic activities. In the 1970s, he initiated The Aga Khan Hospital and Medical College project, laying the foundation of one of India’s premier healthcare institutions.
Students have a lot to learn from the illustrious life of Ratan Tata. A man known for his humility and integrity, Ratan Tata emphasizes ethical business practices and social responsibility. Here are a few quotes by Tata which every student must know:
- “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”
- “Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument.”
- “I don’t believe in taking the right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”
- “The day I am not able to fly will be a sad day for me.”
- “The strongest thing I ever did was to show my emotions to the world.”
- “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
- “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.”
- “I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I’m going to be positively surprised.”
- “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”
- “The only way to win is to not be afraid of losing.”
As the former chairman of Tata Sons, he spearheaded the expansion of the Tata Group, transforming it into a global conglomerate. Under his leadership, Tata Motors made several business achievements positioning the company on the world stage.
Post-retirement, Tata continued to contribute to society through his philanthropic work, particularly in healthcare, education, and rural development.
Everyday strategies that will transform your child’s personality
