'Ratan Tata was a mentor to Akash Ambani': Nita Ambani shares the business leader's personal connection with Ambani family

At the Reliance Industries annual Diwali dinner, the Ambani family and the company's leadership paid heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata, honoring the iconic industrialist who passed away on October 9 at the age of 86. Nita Ambani, along with Mukesh Ambani, their family members, and thousands of Reliance employees, came together to remember Tata’s lasting legacy and contributions to Indian industry and society.

In her tribute, Nita Ambani referred to Ratan Tata as a “great son of India” and emphasized the deep connection he shared with the Ambani family. She noted that Tata had not only been a dear friend to her father-in-law, Dhirubhai Ambani, and her husband Mukesh Ambani but also served as a mentor to her son, Akash Ambani. The gathering observed a moment of silence to honor Tata’s memory, reflecting the profound impact he had on India’s business landscape and philanthropy.

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, and played a pivotal role in shaping the Tata Group into one of India’s most respected conglomerates. He served as Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 until his retirement in 2012, after which he was named Chairman Emeritus. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded its global footprint and grew over 70 times, becoming a symbol of Indian enterprise on the world stage.

Nita Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, their family members, Reliance leadership and thousands of employees pay tribute to Ratan Tata, at the Reliance Industries Annual Diwali dinner.

Nita Ambani called him a 'Great Son of India', a visionary industrialist and philanthropist who always… pic.twitter.com/TyBsqFQdwc

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024

In addition to his corporate achievements, Tata was a key figure in philanthropy, heading the Ratan Tata Trust and the Dorabji Tata Trust, two of the country’s largest charitable organizations. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2008.

Following Tata’s passing, Noel Naval Tata was announced as the new chairman of Tata Trusts, ensuring the continuation of the group’s philanthropic and business legacy. Ratan Tata’s passing was deeply felt across the nation, with business leaders, politicians, and ordinary citizens expressing their condolences.

Reflecting on the loss, Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani had earlier reflected on the loss, calling it a sad day not just for the Tata Group but for India as a whole. He spoke of his personal connection with Tata, emphasizing how their many interactions had left him inspired and filled with admiration for Tata’s character and values. Ambani described Tata as a visionary who had taken India to the global stage and brought the best of the world to the country. He acknowledged that Tata’s leadership had transformed the Tata Group into an international enterprise, expanding its reach and influence far beyond Indian shores.