Cornell University Remembers Ratan Tata As Most Generous International Donor

One of the most respected Indian business leaders and philanthropists, Ratan N. Tata breathed his last yesterday (October 9) at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

"Ratan Tata ’59, B.Arch. ’62, the university’s most generous international donor and one of India's most respected business leaders and philanthropists, passed Oct. 9. We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell," reads X message by Cornell University.

 

The US university said that he was the former Cornell trustee who became the most generous international donor. He donated for technology innovations, malnutrition in India, research to reduce rural poverty and supporting scholarships.

Tata Trusts gave a $50 million gift to Cornell University in 2008 due to which the university created the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, and endowed the Tata Scholarship for Students from India. Moreover, in 2017, Tata Consultancy Services invested $50 million to build the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell campus.

“Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply. Ratan’s quiet demeanor and humility belied his international profile. His generosity and concern for others enabled research and scholarship that improved the education and health of millions of people in India and beyond, and extended Cornell’s global impact," said Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff.

Ratan Tata - Memories of Cherished Visionary Leader

 

For his 50th reunion in 2009, his classmates produced a documentary in which Ratan Tata said, “The miles of tracing paper that all of us wasted on one concept after another did one thing: It taught us that we didn’t stick with one thing. We tried and we tried, and we improved, and we reconceived what we had to do. It’s no different in business.”

J. Meejin Yoon, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of AAP said, “When Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell with a degree in architecture, it would have been impossible to imagine the global impact his visionary leadership, philanthropy and commitment to humanity would go on to have – advancing education and research across many sectors. Looking back over Ratan's life and career, I am not only filled with gratitude for all he has given and accomplished but also with a deep respect for his kindness, generosity and eternal optimism that has improved lives in India and around the world.”

Who can forget Tata Nano which was launched in 2008 thanks to Tata's engineering and design background? It was the world's most affordable production car.

Ratan Tata was admitted for health-related medical complications

Ratan Tata was the Chairman of emeritus of Tata Group. He was 86 and was battling a prolonged illness.

Tata's family said, "We his brothers, sisters, and family take solace and comfort in the outpouring of love and respect from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us in person, his legacy of humility, generosity and purpose will continue to inspire future generations," as reported by TOI.

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