RATAN Tata, the chairman of Tata Trusts, on Friday (29) fondly remembered JRD Tata, the late industrialist of the conglomerate Tata Group and his uncle, on his 118th birth anniversary with a post on social media.
In his post, Ratan Tata, 84, recalled JRD Tata as a warm and caring human being. He also shared a picture of the renowned industrialist who was born on July 29, 1904, and passed away on November 29, 1993. JRD or Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata founded a range of industries besides the Tata Airlines which is now called Air India and has gone back to the Tatas.
“I remember JRD fondly on his 118th birth anniversary as a warm-hearted and caring human being who had an enormous influence on my life. We shared many common interests, but what I really miss is his affection and kindness. Although Jeh is not with us, his legend will continue,” he said in a Twitter post. Ratan Tata succeeded JRD Tata, who was also his mentor, as the chairman of Tata Sons.
Indian airliner Jet Airways also remembered JRD Tata, who was one of its aviators, on the occasion.
JRD Tata was born in Paris, France, to noted businessman Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and Suzanne Brier. Besides Air India, he also founded Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Titan Industries, Tata Salt and Voltas.
He was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1983. He also received two of India's highest civilian awards -- the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna in 1955 and 1992, respectively.
He passed away in Geneva, Switzerland.
This photograph taken on April 28, 2026 shows a boy getting "thali", a sacred thread tied to his neck symbolising marriage to Hindu warrior god Aravan during the annual Koovagam transgender festival at the Koothandavar temple in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. For a few fleeting days each year, at the heart of the Koothandavar Temple where ostracised transgender community members from across India come to honour the Hindu deity Aravan, a tradition rooted in millennia-old Hindu texts -- and to enjoy a brief oasis of freedom.Getty Images
This photograph taken on April 29, 2026 shows a member of the transgender community mourning as a priest cuts the "thali", a sacred thread symbolising end of her marriage to Hindu warrior god Aravan during the annual Koovagam transgender festival at the Koothandavar temple in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. For a few fleeting days each year, at the heart of the Koothandavar Temple where ostracised transgender community members from across India come to honour the Hindu deity Aravan, a tradition rooted in millennia-old Hindu texts -- and to enjoy a brief oasis of freedom. Getty Images
