Industrialists, politicians, and celebrities are mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, who passed away on October 9 at a Mumbai hospital.

Ratan Tata will be remembered as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist whose influence reshaped India's business landscape and inspired countless individuals.

When asked about his legacy during an interview some years ago, Ratan Tata succinctly said that he wants to be remembered as "someone who made a difference."

"I'd like to be remembered as a person who made a difference, not anything more, not anything less," he told Suhel Seth during an interview with CNBC-TV18 in 2017.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared the video clip, which has gone viral on X. He said: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sh. Ratan Tata, is a visionary business leader, an extraordinary nation-builder, and a remarkable human being. His contributions to industry, society, and humanity have left an indelible legacy. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

In another interaction with CNBC-TV18, Ratan Tata said that he wants to be remembered as a person who was able to make a change.

"If I think about how I would like to be remembered - I would like to be remembered as a person who was able to make a change. Who was able to be responsible for a change in the way we looked at things? What that might be spelled out as - I can't say because I have a feeling that that's going to just happen one day when you become the innovator ... that would be an immensely exciting area to be in," he said.

He added that if one can find satisfaction in enabling something meaningful—regardless of its financial success—what it contributes to the world is what truly excites someone like him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweeted:- Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. 

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed Tata’s death in an emotional statement on Wednesday and described him as his “friend, mentor, and guide.” He did not provide a cause of death.

Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He joined the Tata group in 1961 and succeeded JRD Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon the latter’s retirement in 1991.

In December 2012, Tata retired as chairman of the Tata Sons. He briefly served as interim chairman beginning Oct. 2016, following the ouster of his successor, Cyrus Mistry. He returned to retirement in 2017 when Natarajan Chandrasekaran was appointed chairman of the Tata Group.

Ratan Tata received the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s most distinguished civilian awards, in 2000 and "Padma Vibhushan" in 2008.