Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, marked his 86th birthday on Thursday, December 28. With more than 12 million followers on X (previously Twitter), he holds the title of the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, as per the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.
Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai to Naval Tata and Sooni Tata, Ratan Tata attended Campion School until the 8th grade. He continued his studies at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla.
Afterward, he pursued architecture at Cornell University, briefly working with Jones and Emmons in Los Angeles before returning to India in 1962.
In the same year, Ratan Tata joined the Tata Group, starting his career with the Tata Steel division in Jamshedpur. He furthered his education with a management course at Harvard Business School in 1975, eventually becoming the chairman of the Tata Group in 1991.
Despite not being among the richest individuals in the country, Ratan Tata is renowned for his business empire and strong work ethic.
Ratan Tata – Net Worth:
As of the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2022, Ratan Tata’s net worth was ₹3,800 crore, placing him at the 421st position. In 2021, he has secured the 433rd position with a net worth of ₹3,500 crore. A significant factor contributing to this is that Tata Trusts allocate 66% of the total earnings from firms under Tata Sons towards charitable causes.
As of July 31, 2023, there are 29 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalization of $300 billion (₹24 trillion), according to the official website.
Charities:
Ratanji Tata, the younger son of Jamsetji Tata, was the primary contributor to charitable endeavors within the Tata Group. Through the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, established with ₹80 lakh in 1919, a substantial portion of his property was dedicated to charitable purposes. Currently, Tata Trust stands as one of India’s most distinguished charitable foundations.
Tata Group companies, promoted by Tata Sons, play a crucial role in philanthropy.
Philanthropic trusts supporting health, education, arts and culture, and other causes own 66% of the equity shares of Tata Sons. Under Ratan Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group has significantly contributed to enhancing healthcare and education in India.
