Britain confers top honour on Indian tycoon Ratan Tata

Published May 5, 2014
In this handout photograph released by the British High Commission, British High Commissioner to India James Bevan (L) presents the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) on behalf of The Queen to Ratan Tata (R), Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, in New Delhi. -AFP Photo
In this handout photograph released by the British High Commission, British High Commissioner to India James Bevan (L) presents the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) on behalf of The Queen to Ratan Tata (R), Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, in New Delhi. -AFP Photo

NEW DELHI: Indian tycoon Ratan Tata has received an honorary knighthood from Britain in recognition of his company's heavy British investments and philanthropy, an embassy statement said Monday.

Tata, who retired in 2012 as head of the giant tea-to-steel Tata group, was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire.

The award is one of Britain's highest civilian honours, the British High Commission (embassy) said in a statement.

“Tata is the only Indian national to be given this particular award since India became a republic in 1950,” the High Commission added.

Under Ratan Tata, 76, the group bought Britain's Corus Group, a steelmaker, for $11.3 billion in 2007 as the Mumbai-based business house spread its global wings.

A year later, the conglomerate bought British luxury icons Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion as it vaulted into the premium global car market.

Tata has become Britain's largest manufacturing employer.

Ratan Tata, who is now Tata Group chairman emeritus and one of India's most respected businessmen, was presented the award by British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.

The High Commission said the award was conferred on Ratan Tata in recognition of the group's British investments and philanthropy.

Ratan Tata's “leadership, vision and integrity will remain the gold standard for generations of aspirational British and Indian business people”, the High Commissioner said.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...