Ratan N. Tata, an esteemed Indian business figure and philanthropist, passed away on October 9 in Mumbai at the age of 86. The former Cornell trustee and the university’s largest international donor had a profound influence on various sectors, notably in education, technology, and poverty alleviation in India.
Tata served as the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, the parent company of the Tata Group, which operates in various industries including steel, automotive, and digital services. Under his leadership from 1991 to 2012, the company expanded significantly, with revenues surpassing $100 billion by the time he retired. He was also known for his commitment to public welfare during his tenure. After retiring, Tata chaired the Tata Trusts, the largest philanthropic organization in India, and his own venture capital firm until his death.
In 2017, Tata participated in the inauguration of the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech, located on Roosevelt Island in New York City, a project made possible through significant investments from Tata Consultancy Services and the Tata Trusts. Additionally, in 2008, the Tata Trusts contributed $50 million to establish the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, focusing on agriculture and nutrition research. This initiative also included the creation of the Tata Scholarship for Indian students.
Interim President of Cornell, Michael I. Kotlikoff, praised Tata’s legacy, highlighting his commitment to philanthropy and the advancement of education and health, which have positively impacted millions. Born into an influential industrial family in 1937, Tata attended Cornell, initially majoring in mechanical engineering before switching to architecture.
Though his career in architecture was short due to his return to the family business, he served on the jury for the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize from 2014 to 2019, reflecting on how his architectural training influenced his problem-solving skills in business.
Tata’s engineering expertise was instrumental in launching the Tata Nano in 2008, aiming to provide affordable and safer transportation. He fondly recalled his time at Cornell, discussing challenges faced by international students and highlighting the importance of the Tata Scholarship program, which has awarded over 300 scholarships since its inception.
The Tata-Cornell Institute continues to focus on innovative approaches to address poverty and nutrition challenges, particularly in India. Tata was actively involved in initiatives that fostered relations between Cornell and India and contributed to building the Tata Innovation Center, enhancing collaboration between academia and industry.
Beyond his leadership roles, Tata received many accolades, including distinguished awards for his philanthropic contributions. He was a frequent visitor to Cornell and valued his time there, considering it a significant investment in his life and career.