New Delhi | WTNS | Oct 10:Indian business legend Ratan Tata has died at the age of 86. In a statement, the Tata Group said: “It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.”

Under Tata’s leadership, the 155-year-old Tata Group became known as a “salt-to-software” conglomerate, with an empire ranging from Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel to aviation and salt pans.

Ratan Tata is no more but his words of wisdom will continue to inspire generations to come. His exemplary life showed us how to stay grounded, ethical and persistent even if we reach the heights.

The 86-year-old died in Mumbai on Wednesday night after he was hospitalised on Monday. His final rites will be performed on Thursday with state honours. As India and the world mourns the loss of the business stalwart, let us have a look at his wise words that every businessperson, entrepreneurs and investors.

The potential of India

Tata believed in India’s potential like his forefathers and invested in the future of the country and its people.

“I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential.”

Misinformation

He raised concerns about misinformation and falsehoods that mislead people. “People still believe what they read is necessarily the truth.”

Mindset

Tata believed that a person’s downfall is caused by their own doing.

“None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.”

Making decisions right

In his long career, Tata has taken some tough decisions despite criticism and through his persistence, he silenced his critics.

I don’t believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.”

Walking together

Tata believed in working with others, whether it is his family members, business rivals or politicians.
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”

Work-life integration

Instead of work-life balance, Tata preferred bringing both together to make work and life easier.

“I don’t believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other.”

The legacy of J.R.D Tata

Ratan Tata built on the legacy left by J.R.D Tata who was the chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Group for around 50 years.

“I followed someone who had very large shoes. He left me a great legacy, and I tried to follow that legacy.”

Turning wounds into wisdom

He faced critics with grace and kept clear of controversies as he focused on doing things right.

“Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument.”

Business ethics

Tata was against finding success through unethical means and was often vocal about it.

“I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person less.”

Risk and reward

As a businessman, Tata believed in taking risk to achieve success in life and career.

“The biggest risk in not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

Ups and downs

Tata was never a person to back down in face of challenges and kept going, whether it was the “humiliation” from Bill Ford or the protests against the Singur plant in West Bengal.

“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.”

“Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success.”

Finding courage

He believed in finding courage to make the right decisions even if it had minimal impact.

“You may not always have a comfortable life, and you may not always be able to solve all the world’s problems, but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”

Family first

Tata always believed in his family members and put his close ones above money or success.
“One day you will realise that material things mean nothing. All that matters is the well-being of the people you love.”

Creating opportunities

He believed in seizing the opportunities, like when Tato Motors struck a deal with Ford to buy Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion.

“Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, create your own opportunities.”

Leadership

Tata was a true leader who believed in the people who worked for him.

“The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are.”

“Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others.”

Power and wealth

Despite his huge success, Tata never misused his power or wealth for business or political gains.
“Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes.”