Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Britain's prestigious University of Warwick in recognition of his vision, flair and skill in transforming the industrial group into a globally-competitive firm.
The degree of Doctor of Science was conferred on Tata at a ceremony on Wednesday by Lord Kumar Bhattacharya, the founder-director of Warwick Manufacturing Group, an official spokesman of the University said.
Tata, who was described by the University as "the most remarkable chairman of a most remarkable company," accepted the degree in the presence of an august gathering.
"He has taken a family of companies and turned them into a set of globally-competitive firms," Bhattacharyya said.
"Ratan Tata's modesty and lack of ostentation belie his standing as one of the world's leading business figures. He is a man of enormous humanity, " he added.
"He possesses great business vision and acumen. He has transformed the Tata Group and is a standard bearer for Indian business on the world stage."
He praised Ratan Tata for transforming the Tata Group with his "vision, flair and skill" to make it an icon of Indian industry.
The Tata Group's business empire spans over 40 countries across six continents, exporting goods and services to 140 nations, with revenues of £10 billion (in 2004) and employing some 220,000 people.
Bhattacharyya described Ratan Tata as a "most remarkable man" overseeing the business of the Group's 91 companies in sectors as varied as information systems and communications, engineering, materials, services, energy, consumer products and chemicals.
"The group sets a very high standard of business ethics and is well known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Indeed when the terrible tsunami struck in December, Ratan Tata took personal charge in overseeing the group's relief operations," he said.
The group also includes one brand familiar to every British household - Tetley Tea.
Last year, profits at four of the group's biggest listed companies -- Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Taj Hotels and Tata Tea -- grew 178 per cent.
Ratan Tata is also a member of the international advisory boards of the Mitsubishi Corporation and the American International Group. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation.