Ratan Tata Turns 85; Here Are Some Milestones From His Illustrious Life

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, turns 85 on 28 December. The top Indian industrialist is one of the most well-known business figures in India and is well-recognised internationally as well.

Apart from being the leader-mentor of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Ratan Tata is also a motivational speaker and a great philanthropist. He is admired around the business world for having donated way more than half of his income for charity.

As the business tycoon turns 85, here are a few milestones from his life that have left a longlasting impact both within and beyond the world of business:

1961 - Ratan Tata takes up his first job at Tata Steel. His work here involved managing the blast furnace at the steel plant.

1962 - He joins the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries.

1969 - He works as the Tata group’s resident representative in Australia

1974 - He joins the board of Tata Sons as Director.

1975 - He attends an advanced management programme at Harvard Business School.

1986 - He becomes the Chairman of Air India.

1991- He becomes Chairman of Tata Group. 

2004 - He rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to mark the market listing of Tata Motors.

2007 - He becomes the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 jet.

2007 - Tata Steel acquires Europe's Corus Steel. Later becomes Tata Steel Europe.

2008 - He fulfils his promise of creating the most affordable car. Tata Nano is launched with a price tag of Rs. 1 lakh.

2009 - He is honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award.

2008 - Tata Motors acquires Jaguar and Land Rover.

2012 - Ratan Tata retires as Chairman of Tata Group.

2016 - He becomes interim Chairman of Tata Group for a few months.