Australia’s Governor General has announced that Ratan Tata, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist in India, has been appointed to the “Order of Australia” for exceptional service to the relationship between Australia and India, particularly in trade, investment, and philanthropy.
Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has a net worth of Rs 3800 crore as of 2022.
According to a statement from the office of the Governor General, “In recognition of his support for the Australia-India relationship, he is worthy of formal national recognition with an appointment as an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO).”
Barry O’Farrell, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, tweeted on Friday, “Delighted at the Australian Governor-announcement General’s to appoint Mr. Ratan Tata an Honorary Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Australia-India relationship, particularly to trade, investment, & philanthropy.”
Tata has been a vocal and effective supporter of closer links between the two countries, having worked to have the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed in 2022 and assisting foreign corporate and political figures who are now in India.
The statement read, “His work includes supporting the development and creating opportunity across a wide range of fields including health, nutrition, education, water, agriculture, the environment, and energy, social justice and inclusion, digital transformation, disaster relief, and women’s economic empowerment.
Indian students have been given the chance to study in Australia owing to scholarships provided by the Tata family trust, strengthening social and economic relations and generating chances in the country’s educational system.
In addition, Tata has contributed to organisations that help individuals in need and has participated in disaster relief efforts, such as those following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which tragically caused the tragic loss of two Australians.
With 17,000 employees and associates, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), an Indian corporation having a base in Australia since 1998, employs the most Australians among all businesses. Via a large pro bono initiative that provides free IT services to six Australian not-for-profit organisations working in the sectors of health and Indigenous leadership, TCS also gives back to the community in Australia.
For his contributions to business, industry, engineering, leadership, culture, and peace, Ratan Tata has won numerous national and international honours and accolades, including a Doctor of Business honoris causa from the University of New South Wales.
