Page 6 - SeniorsToday October
P. 6
Cover Story
Farewell to Ratan Tata:
Taking India Global with
Integrity and Innovation
Harsh Goenka pays tribute to a legendary leader and a compassionate
human being who graced our era
It seems like the end of an era – both for business landscape was undergoing a
the business community and the country. seismic shift. India was opening its doors
With Ratan Tata’s passing, India has lost to the world. He recognised that the
one of its most cherished gems. Ratan Tata organisation needed to evolve beyond
was more than a businessman; he was a its traditional way of doing business. He
symbol of integrity, ethical leadership, and famously said, “None can destroy iron,
philanthropy. but its own rust can. Likewise, none can
A transformative leader, Ratan Tata’s destroy a person, but their own mindset
role in putting Indian businesses in the can.” He initiated a cultural transformation
global map will always be etched in our by replacing long-serving executives like
memories. His tenure as chairman from Russi Mody, Ajit Kerkar and Darbari
1991 to 2012 marked a significant shift Seth and ushered in a new generation of
in the company’s trajectory, steering leaders, who brought fresh perspectives
its course from a domestic focus to a and business processes to the table. This
formidable global presence. shift was crucial in making the Tata Group
When Ratan Tata stepped into the role of more agile and innovative - gearing up for
Tata Group Chairman in 1991, the Indian the demands of globalisation.
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