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Mayor of Brampton in emotional tribute recalls meetings with Ratan Tata
In his death, says Patrick Brown, the world has lost a giant of a man whose impact on business and humanity cannot be overstated
FILE PHOTO: Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, attends an event where he was inducted into the 2015 Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan July 23, 2015. / REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo
In an emotional tribute to Ratan Tata, Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, has described him as a lion of business and a leader of the ages.
Brampton has not only the largest population of Indian migrants in Canada but also sends the maximum number of Punjabis as Members of the House of Commons (Parliament). Many employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), on overseas assignments in Canada, live in Brampton.
Recalling his association with Ratan Tata, Brown said, "I had the honour of meeting Ratan Tata on several occasions when we were both speakers at the Vibrant Gujarat summits in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. These gatherings, which brought together global leaders in business and government, were platforms for discussions on economic growth and investment. But what remains with me most are the brief personal moments I was able to share with Tata, where his insights on leadership, business, and the future of economies left a lasting impression.
“During one of those events, at a lunch where we sat next to each other, he shared advice that has stuck with me to this day. He explained how his decision to move his car manufacturing business to Gujarat from another state was not simply about finding a location—it was about choosing a place that created a competitive advantage. Gujarat, he noted, offered lower taxes, faster approvals, and affordable electricity, making it the ideal place to foster business growth. "Business and investment will always go where the conditions are best," he said, "and those conditions come from making it easier for businesses to succeed."
“That message resonated with me as a public servant. It underscored the importance of creating an environment where innovation and investment can thrive. Tata's wisdom was rooted in experience and a deep understanding of global business, and his ability to distil such complex ideas into simple truths made him an extraordinary leader,” he said in his tribute.
In his death, says Patrick Brown, the world has lost a giant of a man whose impact on business and humanity cannot be overstated. “It is worth noting that Tata’s influence also reached Canada, where Tata Consulting Services has a significant presence. His commitment to fostering global connections and creating growth opportunities was not limited by geography. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to have seen the positive impact of Tata’s leadership first-hand," Brown said.
“The passing of Ratan Tata is a profound loss, but it is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the lessons he taught us. He showed us that leadership is about more than financial success—it is about vision, integrity, and the drive to create conditions where others can thrive. Tata understood that the best environments for business growth are those where governments create opportunity, aligning their policies with fostering innovation and investment. His insight into how businesses flourish where conditions are optimized for success remains as relevant today as ever, " he added.
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