Remembering a Philanthropic Giant

Cornell University is mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, the renowned Indian industrialist and the university’s largest international donor, who passed away on October 9 in Mumbai at age 86 after a long illness. Known for his transformative leadership of the Tata Group, Tata also left an indelible mark on Cornell through his generous philanthropy and deep connection to the university.

As a former trustee, Tata’s contributions supported scholarships, technology innovations, and research, making him a cherished member of the Cornell community.

A lasting legacy at Cornell

Ratan Tata’s relationship with Cornell began in the late 1950s when he enrolled as a mechanical engineering major before switching to architecture, a field that would profoundly influence his approach to business. “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,” Tata said during a documentary in 2009. “We tried and improved, and we reconceived what we had to do. It’s no different in business.”

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Though Tata returned to India to lead the family business, his connection to architecture remained strong, and he later served as a juror for the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize from 2014 to 2019.

Historic donations to Cornell

Tata’s generosity toward Cornell was monumental. In 2008, Tata Trusts established the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition with a $50 million donation to address poverty and malnutrition in India. The same year, he funded the Tata Scholarship for Students from India, ensuring access to education for talented Indian students. In 2017, Tata Consultancy Services contributed an additional $50 million, leading to the creation of the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech in New York City.

“Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world, and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” said Cornell Interim President Michael I. Kotlikof. “His 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, extending Cornell’s global impact.”

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Global collaboration and visionary leadership

Tata’s influence extended far beyond donations. He played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Cornell and Indian government leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to promote research and innovation. The teams in Ithaca, Mumbai, and New Delhi now work across disciplines such as economics, development sociology, and food science, thanks to Tata’s efforts.

J. Meejin Yoon, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell, praised Tata’s visionary leadership: “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.”

The Tata Innovation Center: Shaping the future

One of Tata’s most significant contributions to Cornell was the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech. The center bridges academia and industry, providing space for students, researchers, and startups to collaborate and turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions. His philanthropic efforts helped shape not just the Tata Group but also the future of education and research.

A global icon and a humble alumnus

Ratan Tata’s commitment to education, philanthropy, and innovation leaves a legacy that will continue to impact future generations. His contributions to Cornell reflect his lifelong dedication to improving lives, both in India and around the world. As Cornell University and the world honor his memory, Tata’s visionary leadership and philanthropy will remain a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to follow in his footsteps.

In remembering his extraordinary life, Cornell and its global community celebrate not only his remarkable achievements but also his unwavering kindness and generosity.