Mr Tata was presented with an honorary Doctorate in Engineering today (18 September) by the Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, Professor Richard B Davies, at a ceremony in Mumbai, India.

Swansea University has a long standing partnership with Tata Steel, with researchers working closely with Tata colleagues to develop a 21^st century steel industry.

Ratan Tata is a leading Indian industrialist and is the ex- Chairman of the largest Indian conglomerate, Tata Group of Companies. He currently holds the post of Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, which controls some of the major companies including Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Power, Tata Consultancy Services, Indian Hotels and Tata Teleservices.

Picture:  Swansea University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies presents Ratan Tata with his honorary Doctorate in Engineering

He was born on December 28, 1937 in Surat, India and received his early education from the Campion School, Mumbai, finishing his schooling at the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. In 1962, he obtained his B.S. in architecture with structural engineering from Cornell University, U.S.A. and later enrolled at the Harvard Business School, completing an Advanced Management Program in 1975.

He became actively involved in the family business after completing his graduation, starting as a worker on the shop floor at Tata Steel, which gave him invaluable insight about his family business.

IN 1991, after the retirement of J.R.D. Tata, he became the new Chairman of the Tata Group. Under his leadership, he was able to achieve international recognition and prestige for his company. The financial success of the company brought the Tata Group to the New York Stock Exchange and, under his supervision, the corporation became a global brand by acquiring many companies including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.

Apart from expanding his multinational, he has also served in various capacities in organisations in India and abroad. He is also a leading philanthropist and more than half of his share in the group is invested in charitable trusts. Through his pioneering ideas and positive outlook, he continues to serve as a guiding force for his conglomerate even after retirement.

Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, Professor Richard B Davies said: “It is my pleasure to confer this honorary doctorate to the leading industrialist, and philanthropist, Ratan Tata.

“Swansea University and Tata have a long and successful history of working together to support the 21^st century steel industry and to develop talent flows. Our work with Tata is wide ranging - working on the history of the steel industry, supporting talented graduates and researching and developing coatings enabling buildings to store their own energy through the cutting edge SPECIFIC project.  

“We look forward to future collaboration on long-term research, development and innovation to support the delivery of a sustainable UK steel industry through improved and innovative processes and products.”