Ratan Tata left this world on October 9 leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will always inspire young entrepreneurs. Known as a humble businessman Tata transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse and there are several instances where he made India proud on the world stage. Ratan Tata was a great philanthropist and transformed numerous lives through the Tata Trust. It all started when Ratan took over the Tata Group in 1991 succeeding JRD Tata the man who mentored him. Let’s explore the story. I Never Thought of Myself as JRD Tatas Successor As Ratan Tata revealed during a conversation with Simi Grewal he never imagined that he would be chosen to continue JRDs legacy when he first joined the family business in early 70s. Ratan Tata Took Over The Tata Group Ratan Tata believed that several people who were close to JRD were capable of succeeding him as the head of the Tata Group. But JRD himself aske him to takeover his place and lead the family business. Ratan recalled his visit to see JRD who at that time was admitted in Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital dealing with a heart condition. Upon recovering and being released from the hospital JRD Tata went on to extend an invitation to Ratan beckoning him for a meeting organized at his office. ‘Take My Place’ Ratan In the interview Ratan Tata stated that JRD asked him to meet him after discharging from the hospital. when they met JRD asked Tata to lead the Tata Group and said “take my place”. “I met him in the officer and casually asked ‘what’s new?’. I gave him the usual answer; ‘nothing new since the last time I met you’” Ratan Tata said. JRD responded: “But I have something new to tell you. I want to tell you. Here sit next to me.” Ratan Tata started siting next to JRD. “Ever since what happened to me in Jamshedpur (his illness) I have been thinking of resigning… and I have decided that you should take my place” he told a Ratan Tata in 1991. It is worth noting that Ratan Tata wore many hats in the Tata Group till his ascension as the group’s chairman but never imagined heading the conglomerate. “At different times different people were JRD’s choice of successors. I had no objection to this and believed that one of them would be (his successor). I had only told JRD Tata – do not give authority to different people. Leaving the post in favor of only one person so that that person has the power. That is why I was surprised when chose me” Ratan Tatasaid. When Ratan Tata refused to sit in JRD’s office In March 1991 JRD called a board meeting and proposed Ratan Tata’s name for the chairmanship.                                                                                                                              Recalling the incident Ratan expressed in the interview that he can’t describe the feelings JRD expressed in the board meeting. After the meeting JRD and Ratan Tata made their way to Ratans office. The moment they stepped in JRD told his secretary Its time for us to move out of here. Out of profound reverence for his uncle and guide JRD Tata the newly appointed chairman Ratan decided to respectfully disagree and chose not to take over JRDs office. “Then where will you sit” JRD asked to which Ratan replied; “Where I am now. My office is downstairs that will serve just fine.” Two years after handing over his responsibilities to Ratan Tata JRD Tata passed away in Geneva Switzerland. He was 89 years old. JRD Tata was born on July 29 1904. He led the Tata Group from 1938 till 1988 as its chairman. His remarkable contributions to the nation didnt go unnoticed and he was awarded with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. Ratan Tata Transformed Tata Gruop After Ratan Tata took over the business the Tata Group witnessed a substantial transformation growing into an internationally recognized front-runner worth $403 billion roughly around Rs 33.7 trillion. He brought about pivotal modifications in the leadership team replacing stalwarts like Rusi Modi Darbari Seth and Ajit Kelkar.