Ratan Tata Dismisses Health Rumours: ‘I Am in Good Spirits’

Veteran industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has refuted claims about his health condition, emphasizing that rumors of his hospitalization are incorrect. “I am aware of recent rumours circulating regarding my health and want to assure everyone that these claims are unfounded,” the 86-year-old former Tata Sons chairman stated in an official statement on Instagram on Monday. “I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits and request that the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation.”

The statement was issued following a media report that claimed Tata had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital in a “critical” condition early Monday morning.

Ratan Tata is highly regarded both in the business community and by the general public for his values and leadership. He became the chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, steering the company into becoming a global business empire worth over $100 billion. He retired from his position in December 2012, succeeded by Cyrus Mistry, who passed away in a car accident in 2022.

After stepping down, Tata took on the role of chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Tata Industries, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, and Tata Chemicals. He remains active on the international advisory boards of Mitsubishi Corporation and JP Morgan Chase and continues to oversee the group’s charitable trusts.

In recognition of his contributions to industry and philanthropy, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Tata’s association with the Tata Group dates back to 1962. The conglomerate was founded by Jamsetji Tata in the latter half of the 1800s. Jamsetji had two sons, Dorabji Tata and Ratanji Tata, with the latter marrying Navajbai Sett. The couple adopted 13-year-old Naval Tata, father to Ratan Tata, after the death of Naval’s biological father. Naval Tata was first married to Sooni Commissariat, with whom he had two sons, Ratan and Jimmy Tata, and later to Simone Dunoyer.

Ratan Tata has earned a reputation as one of India’s leading industrialists and a notable humanitarian, guiding the Tata Group to new heights. Today, he continues to serve as the esteemed chairman emeritus and oversees various charitable activities within the Tata Trusts.