India
Ratan Tata made India a better, kinder and more hopeful place: Narendra Modi | India News – Times of India
It’s been a month since Ratan Tata left us. From bustling cities and towns to villages, his absence is deeply felt in every segment of society. Seasoned industrialists, budding entrepreneurs and hardworking professionals mourn his loss. Those passionate about the environment and committed to philanthropy are equally saddened. His absence has been deeply felt, not only across the country, but around the world.
For the youth, Tata was an inspiration, a reminder that dreams are worth pursuing and that success can coexist with compassion and humility. To others he represented the best traditions of Indian company and an steadfast commitment to the values of integrity, excellence and service.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group reached new heights and embodied global respect, honesty and credibility. Nevertheless, he carried his achievements lightly, with humility and kindness.
Tata’s unwavering support for the dreams of others was one of his most defining qualities. In recent years, he became known for guiding the Indian StartUp ecosystem and investing in many promising ventures. He understood the hopes and aspirations of young entrepreneurs and recognized the potential they had to shape India’s future. By supporting their efforts, he empowered a generation of dreamers to take bold risks and push boundaries. This has gone a long way in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which I am confident will continue to have a positive impact on India for decades to come.
He consistently championed excellence and urged Indian companies to set global benchmarks. I hope this vision will inspire our future leaders to make India synonymous with world-class quality.
His greatness was not limited to the boardroom or helping fellow human beings. His compassion extended to all living things. His deep love for animals was well known and he supported all possible efforts aimed at animal welfare. He often shared photos of his dogs, which were as much a part of his life as any business venture. His life reminded us all that true leadership is measured not only by a person’s achievements, but also by their ability to care for those most vulnerable.
For millions of Indians, Tata’s patriotism shone brightest in times of crisis. His swift reopening of Mumbai’s iconic Taj Hotel after the 26/11 terror attacks was a rallying cry to the nation: India is united and refuses to give in to terrorism.
On a personal level, I have had the privilege of knowing him very closely over the years. We worked closely together in Gujarat, where he invested extensively, including in many projects that he was passionate about. Just a few weeks ago I was in Vadodara with the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sanchez, and we jointly inaugurated an aircraft complex where C-295 aircraft would be made in India. It was Tata who started working on this. Needless to say, Tata’s presence was greatly missed.
I remember Tata often wrote to me on various issues, whether it was governance issues, expressing appreciation for government support or sending congratulatory messages after election victories.
Our close interactions continued when I moved to the Center and he remained a committed partner in our nation-building efforts. Tata’s support for the Swachh Bharat Mission was particularly close to my heart. He was an outspoken advocate of this mass movement and realized that cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation are essential for India’s progress. I still remember his heartfelt video message for the tenth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission in early October. It was one of his last public appearances.
Another cause close to his heart was healthcare, especially the fight against cancer. I remember a program in Assam two years ago where we had jointly opened several cancer hospitals in the state. In his remarks at the time, he had categorically stated that he wanted to devote his final years to healthcare. His efforts to make healthcare and cancer care accessible and affordable were rooted in a deep empathy for those battling disease, believing that a just society was one that supported its most vulnerable.
As we remember him today, we are reminded of the society he envisioned – where business can serve as a force for good, where the potential of every individual is valued and where progress is measured in the well-being and happiness of everyone. He continues to live in the lives he touched and the dreams he cherished. Generations will be grateful to him for making India a better, kinder and more hopeful place.
