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Cornell establishes Ratan N. Tata distinguished alumni award
The award will honor Tata’s enduring legacy and dedication to improving lives through education and innovation.
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Ratan N. Tata ’59, BArch ’62, receiving the Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year Award in October 2012 from then-President David J. Skorton. / Image- Cornell University
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University has announced the establishment of the Ratan N. Tata Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring the transformative philanthropy and global impact of the late Indian Industrialist.
Tata, a former Cornell trustee and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on Oct. 9, this year.
Interim Cornell president Michael I. Kotlikoff highlighted Tata’s contributions to the university stating, “Ratan Tata’s impact on Cornell was transformative. His generous contributions reflected Cornell’s core values and priorities, and his support of the university’s mission helped it evolve and advance over decades.”
The award will recognize AAP alumni who demonstrate visionary leadership and a commitment to societal impact. Tata, known for his profound dedication to philanthropy, will be its inaugural recipient, posthumously.
Reflecting on the honor when it was being finalized earlier this year, Tata said, “My years at Cornell in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning hold a special place in my heart – and the education I received has shaped my life and perspective in meaningful ways. It is incredibly gratifying to know that this award will serve to recognize others who use their Cornell education to build and create good in the world.”
J. Meejin Yoon, Gale and Ira Drukier dean of AAP, emphasized Tata’s commitment to humanity. “With the establishment of this award, we celebrate his legacy and the work of others who share a similar commitment to making positive change in the world,” Yoon said.
Initially enrolling at Cornell’s College of Engineering in 1955, he later transferred to AAP and graduated with a degree in architecture. After briefly working in Los Angeles, he returned to India, where he joined Tata Sons, leading the family conglomerate to unprecedented growth during his tenure as chairman from 1991 to 2012.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group achieved $100 billion in revenues by 2012 and expanded its philanthropic reach through the Tata Trusts. The Trusts, which Tata led post-retirement, focus on nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and social justice, among other areas.
“Ratan Tata’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social responsibility have left an indelible mark on India and beyond,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons. “He had a deep love for Cornell University, which played an important role in his uniquely remarkable journey.”
Tata’s philanthropy at Cornell includes establishing the Tata Scholarship for Students from India and the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition. His contributions also facilitated the creation of the Tata Innovation Center at Cornell Tech in New York City.
The inaugural ceremony for the Ratan N. Tata Distinguished Alumni Award will take place at a later date.
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