Cornell Honors Ratan Tata with Distinguished Alumni Award

The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University has introduced the Ratan N. Tata Distinguished Alumni Award to celebrate the extensive philanthropic efforts and global influence of Ratan Tata ’59, B.Arch. ’62, a renowned business leader, Cornell trustee, and former AAP Advisory Council member. Tata, who served as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and chairman of the Tata Trusts, passed away on October 9.

“Ratan Tata’s impact on Cornell was transformative,” remarked Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “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.”

Tata’s career was characterized by his dedication to improving lives in his home country, India, and across the globe. Earlier this year, when the award was being planned, he expressed his gratitude for his time at Cornell. “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,” Tata said. “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.”

The inaugural award will be posthumously conferred on Tata, after which it will be awarded annually or biennially to AAP alumni who demonstrate a commitment to creating meaningful societal change through their vision and efforts.

“Ratan possessed a profound concern and care for humanity,” said J. Meejin Yoon, Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of AAP. “His personal dedication to improving lives through philanthropy in support of initiatives spanning education, research, health, and the built environment is deeply inspiring. While his Cornell education was rooted in architecture, his life’s work has been expansive in scope and distinctly shaped by his inherent sense of responsibility and optimism. 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.”

Tata’s journey at Cornell began in 1955 when he enrolled in the College of Engineering before transferring to AAP. After earning his degree, he briefly worked as an architect in Los Angeles before returning to Mumbai to join his family’s business, Tata Sons. As part of the Tata Group—a conglomerate spanning sectors such as manufacturing, mobility, financial services, and hospitality—he gradually climbed the ranks, becoming chairman in 1991. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, reaching $100 billion in revenue by the time he stepped down in 2012. Tata credited his Cornell education in architecture and design for honing his problem-solving abilities and fostering his capacity for creative solutions.

After retiring, Tata took on the role of chairman of the Tata Trusts, which hold a 66% stake in Tata companies and are India’s largest private-sector philanthropic organization. Through these trusts, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing nutrition, education, water and sanitation, digital transformation, social justice, and inclusion in India.

“Ratan Tata’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social responsibility have left an indelible mark on India and beyond,” noted N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons. “He had a deep love for Cornell University, which played an important role in his uniquely remarkable journey. He found it very gratifying to know that this award in his name will help to celebrate and inspire innovation, excellence, and a strong commitment to social good.”

Throughout his life, Tata maintained a close relationship with Cornell. He served on the university’s Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2022 and joined the AAP Advisory Council in 2014. In 2008, the Tata Trusts established the Tata Scholarship for Students from India and the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition, which focuses on collaborative research to combat rural poverty and malnutrition in India. Additionally, in 2017, Tata Consultancy Services, a major entity within the Tata Group, invested $50 million in Cornell Tech for its initial construction phase on Roosevelt Island, resulting in the naming of the Tata Innovation Center.

Beyond his contributions to Cornell, Tata served as a trustee and jury member for prestigious organizations such as the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Alcoa, Mondelez International, the East-West Center, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His extensive list of accolades includes the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan—two of India’s highest civilian honors—and the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

An inaugural ceremony for the Ratan N. Tata Distinguished Alumni Award will be organized by AAP to honor Tata’s legacy, highlighting his humanitarian contributions and transformative impact on Cornell and the world.