Ratan Tata was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2003. Tata will now represent India at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of The Year award ceremony in Monte Carlo in June 2004. 

Infosys Technologies Chairman and Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy won the award in Monte Carlo this year. 

Tata was selected among 25 finalists by a jury headed by Narayana Murthy, for achieving a “makeover of far-reaching dimensions” since taking over the reins of the Tata group in 1991. “From a relatively unwieldy conglomerate, Tata has changed the complexion of the group to make it more nimble-footed and cohesive. Tata companies are now making their mark on the world stage,” an Ernst & Young statement said. 

Pointing out the achievements of group companies, the statement said while Tata Consultancy Services was set to become the world’s largest provider of end-to-end technology solutions, Tata Tea’s acquisition of Tetley had made it the world’s second largest tea marketer.

Tata Steel is among the world's lowest cost steel producers, and Tata Motors, traditionally a truck maker, is now delivering best-selling cars like the Indica.

Tata received the award from Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at a ceremony here today. Advani also gave away awards in other categories. 

Verghese Kurien, founder-chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, received the lifetime achievement award for making the milk co-operative movement a reality, which has changed the lives of millions of farmers in India, boosting their livelihood and offering a steady income.

While Nicholas Piramal Chairman Ajay Piramal won the award in the healthcare and life sciences category, Radhika and Prannoy Roy of NDTV were the winners in the information, communications and entertainment sector. 

Ashwin Dani of Asian Paints won the award for manufacturing, and Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank for services. Maruti Udyog Managing Director Jagdish Khattar bagged the manager entrepreneur award. 

The start-up entrepreneur award was given to Bangalore-based heart surgeon Devi Prasad Shetty of Narayana Hrudayalaya, a hospital project to provide affordable healthcare. 

“Entrepreneurs are the lifeline of this country, and the winners of our awards this year are exceptional people,” said Ernst & Young India Chairman Kashi Memani.