Nation Bids Tearful Adieu To Visionary, Business Tycoon, Philanthropist Ratan Tata

Tribute paid to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata at Parmarth Niketan, by performing Ganga Aarti for the departed soul.

• Born on December 28, 1937, Ratan Tata in Mumbai to Naval and Sooni Tata was raised by his grandmother Navajbai after his parents separated in 1948 when he was 10
• He was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata - founder of the Tata Group
• He studied at Campion School in Mumbai till class 8, after which he continued his education at Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He pursued his higher education at Bishop Cotton in Shimla and eventually studied at Harvard Business School and Architecture at Cornel University in the US
• As per Humans of Bombay, Ratan Tata confessed that he fell in love while he was working in Los Angeles but the girl's parents opposed their marriage due to the 1962 Indo-China War. However, despite coming close to marriage four times, Ratan Tata remain unmarried.
• As per the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023, Ratan Tata was the most followed entrepreneur in India with over 12 million followers on X (erstwhile X)
• In 2009, Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise to make the world's cheapest car Tata Nano priced at ₹ 1 lakh to make it accessible to the middle class.
• Ratan Tata has received two of India's highest civilian honours - the Padma Vibhushan (2008) and the Padma Bhushan (2000) - for his immense contribution towards nation-building
• Ratan Tata continued sheltering stray dogs during the monsoon season, a practice initiated by Jamsetji Tata.
• Ratan Tata took TCS public in 2004 and led acquisitions with Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus, British automobile manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, and British tea giant Tetley.
• In 2014, the Tata Group donated ₹95 crore to IIT -Bombay, establishing the Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD) to create design and engineering concepts for underserved populations.

As the nation mourns the loss of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, the Maharashtra Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday passed a resolution urging the central government to confer the 'Bharat Ratna', the country’s highest civilian award, on the icon. The cabinet urged the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on Tata, who had previously been honored with the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, described Ratan Tata as a "born industrialist and philanthropist" who always did the right thing. He noted that Tata never engaged in fraudulent practices or sought to make money by unethical means, consistently putting the nation's interests first.

"I pay tribute to him from my heart," Kharge added. 

Ratan Tata's last rites concludes

On the demise of Ratan Tata, actor Rajpal Yadav says, "...He is the Tata of the entire world and he was, is and will remain the priceless gem of our country...He was Bharat Ratna for us since our childhood, he will remain like that..."

Shantanu Naidu, veteran industrialist Ratan Tata's trusted aide leaves from Worli Crematorium in Mumbai after paying his last tribute to Ratan Tata. 
 

On the demise of Ratan Tata, Former Cricketer Kapil Dev says, " Such a great man, when someone like that passes away, naturally we feel bad but the legacy he has left behind...I have no words...everybody has to leave this world but people will be known for their work...we will never find a better person than him"

Ratan Tata Update: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders pay tribute to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, at Worli crematorium in Mumbai.

Ratan Tata Updates: Ratan Tata was given Ceremonial Guard of Honour at Worli Crematorium. 

Mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata brought to Worli crematorium for his last rites, which will be carried out with full state honour.

Ratan Tata's brother arrives for his last rites at Worli crematorium 

Ratan Tata Updates: Amit Shah, Piyush Goyal, Eknath Shinde arrive at Worli Crematorium fo Ratan Tata’s last rites 

Ratan Tata Updates: Ratan Tata’s office companion Dog ‘Goa’ among sea of mourners at NCPA lawns. 

Ratan Tata Updates: Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani pay last respects to Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata Updates: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates sand art to pay tribute to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata.

Ratan Tata Updates: Director Madhur Bhandarkar says, "His contribution in all sectors has been great. He has inspired many people along the way. India will always be grateful for his contribution. He was a very down-to-earth person... Every Indian has heard the name 'Tata' since childhood... He supported so many new startups and the young generation... He should definitely be awarded with the Bharat Ratna."

Mortal remains of Industrialist Ratan Tata being taken for last rites from NCPA lawns, in Mumbai The last rites will be held at Worli crematorium.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal says "This is one of the most tragic days for the country. We have not only lost a legend, a true nationalist, son of the soil who believed in the Bharat story. Passionate about his work, simple in his lifestyle, rich in his values, and yet so humble. Last week, when I was in New York at a Taj Hotel, the lady who was running the lift was very proudly telling me that I am a friend of Ratan Tata and he had invited me to visit India. I visited India for 1 week as a guest of Ratan Tata. That was the character of Ratan Tata. In the business world, he's left behind a legacy which will be very difficult for anybody to beat in many lifetimes...When Tata Steel reduced some of their manpower, he made sure that every person got full salary for the rest of their working years, despite very adverse circumstances, he made a mark for himself right from the beginning..."

Gujarat govt has declared one day of mourning in respect of Ratan Tata today. The national flag will be flown at half mast and no cultural or entertainment programme of the govt will be held today: Gujarat Govt

On the demise of Ratan Tata, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, "...He always used to talk about the nation. He has given India recognition globally. As an industrialist, he had a great vision...When I requested him to start a cancer hospital in Tirupati, he did it...We have lost a great statesman. But his thoughts, ideology will remain forever..."

On the demise of Ratan Tata, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "...Tata is one of the Navratnas of our country... I was fortunate to spend some time with him. ​​Ratan Tata was a very simple, ordinary and very affectionate person. The country has suffered a loss with his death. His thoughts, suggestions, guidance, are definitely important for all of us, the policy makers of the country... We will definitely miss Ratan Tata ji. I pray to God that the values ​​and ideas that Ratan Tata ji carried, may those thoughts remain relevant in the development of our country."

On the demise of Ratan Tata, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan says, "...He is a role model for every industrialist across the world. It is a huge loss..."

On the demise of Ratan Tata, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, said, "He was a very good corporate citizen who not only put his heart and mind into businesses but equally into philanthropic initiatives. And to my mind, if I say that the humility which he had was something to learn from him. I had the opportunity of meeting him a couple of times and every time it was a great humbling and learning experience for me...I think the nation must celebrate his life and see how good corporate governance."

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani pay last tributes to Ratan Tata in Mumbai.

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays last tributes to Ratan Tata in Mumbai

Maharashtra CM Ekanth Shinde along with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis pay last tributes to Ratan Tata in Mumbai. 

Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in remembrance of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata for whom aviation was especially close to his heart.

Tata, 86, who was also Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, breathed his last on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital.

 On the demise of Ratan Tata, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi says, "The whole nation is shocked after knowing that Ratan Tata is no more. The Tata group has played a pivotal role in helping the country to rebuild. The name 'Tata' is now synonymous with vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building...Ratan Tata was known for his simplicity...With the demise of Ratan Tata, Bharat Mata has lost her son who can't be forgotten so easily...."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal broke down as he remembered Ratan Tata following his passing, stating, "...It’s the small, thoughtful gestures makes man the Ratan Tata a man beloved by 1.4 billion Indians and people around the world."
 

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh wrote to Tata Sons chairman, N Chandrasekaran condoling the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ratan Tata ji, a stalwart of Indian Industry. He was much more than a business icon, his vision and humanity demonstrated in the work of several charities founded and nurtured during his life. He was having the courage of speaking the truth to the men in power. I have fond memories of working very closely with him on several occasions. I take this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences on this sad occasion. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

Aditya Birla group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said, "It's a great loss for the country - not just for corporate India but the country as a whole. The impact of his work is quite unparalleled. We should remember him through the richness of his work. We met many times, years back - he was sober, frugal and always used to think in the interest of the country."

On the demise of Ratan Tata,  ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "The name Tata is Something very synonymous with the industrial growth of India. Almost in all sectors, they have played a great role... That tradition of an ethical way of doing business has been one of the very characteristics of Tatas. Ratan Tata symbolizes the same nature of the leadership that they have been giving to Tata's institutions... I also studied in a Tata institution, called Tata Institute long back created out of funding from Tata. That shows that they gave importance not only to creating institutions but also to creating a culture of involvement of staff and people, creating education and philanthropy play a very important role in their business ecosystem and do it in a manner which is more democratic and involves everyone... Ratan Tata by his personality has been one of the leading industrial figures having huge respect and admiration from everyone. I think this loss is definitely something we should all be very sad about..."
 

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar pays last respect to late industrialist Ratan Tata at NCPA Lawns.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said, “Ratan Tata was a gem of India. He lived Bharat till his last breath. Indian business, Indian story across the world has been synonymous with Tata Group's foray across the world in different sectors whether he bought companies like Corus Steel, Tata Jaguar Land Rover, he took TCS across the world. He stands out as somebody who India proud, a son of the soil, a very modest person, very down to earth, very simple in his living, never flashy, would drive his own car until recently, as long as he could, he had a deep passion for aviation, someone who lived with purpose, passion, with profound generosity, had a very good sense of humour, was loved when he used to talk. His memories will live on, not only with every person who worked with Tata group, but with 140 crore Indians.”

After paying his last respects to legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, "There are two things that stand out about Shri Ratan Tata. First, he was a true visionary.  Second, he was a strong believer in ethics in corporate governance. I think whenever the economic history of modern India is written, I would feel that a full volume will not be enough to describe his achievements...A great son of India and a phenomenal person. May his soul rest in peace."

Speaking at an event in Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembers veteran industrialist Ratan Tata. He said, "Shri Ratan Tata passed away yesterday. I extend my heartfelt tributes to him. He was a respected industrialist not just in India but the world. He took on leadership of Tata Group at a time when it was important for the Tata Group to make changes. He transformed the way of working and the many businesses of Tata Group. The business group under the leadership of Ratan Tata ji did a lot of work in many other areas including education and cancer treatment. Ratan Tata's legacy will guide people in the industry."

The Chief ministers of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar condoled the demise of Tata Group’s chairman emeritus and veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, and said his legacy will live on forever.

"Saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons. The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for Indian business world and society. My condolences to all his family members and colleagues," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

The mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata will be available for the public on Thursday at 10:30 am at the NCPA Lawns at Nariman Point in Mumbai to pay their last respects. As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains will be taken on its final journey at 4 pm. "We will request the members of the public to enter NCPA Lawns from Gate 3 and the exit will be at Gate 2. There will be no parking available at the premises. At 4 pm, the mortal remains will embark on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites," the statement said. 

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty expressed her deep admiration for the late industrialist Ratan Tata. Mourning his demise, Murty described Tata as a man of unparalleled integrity and simplicity, someone who was deeply compassionate and always concerned about the welfare of others. Murthy said, “I met him (Ratan Tata), a man of integrity, and simplicity, always caring for others and compassionate... I really miss him... I don't think in my experience I met anyone like him.”

She expressed that his passing marks the end of an era in her life, leaving a personal void. "He was a person of integrity; integrity was so important. He was like that. He had enormous patience. He was a simple man... I learn philanthropy in the House of Tata's only. It's my personal loss... I feel now vacuumed in my personal life," she added. Murty also emphasized Ratan Tata's influence on her understanding of philanthropy, underscoring the deep impact he had on her life and values. She concluded by offering prayers for his soul, noting that his legacy will forever be remembered.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti condoled the legandary industrialist's death and wrote, "India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart. When I was nominated to serve as ambassador, the first congratulations from India came from Ratan Tata, who gave so much in service to my hometown, serving on the board of the University of Southern California. He saw a future of greater prosperity and equality for his country and did so much for our world. May his memory be a blessing."
 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have condoled the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, hailing his contribution towards building a self-reliant India. Dhankhar described Tata as a towering figure of Indian industry, whose contributions towards building a self-reliant India will forever be an inspiration to entrepreneurs in India and beyond.

"As 'the legend' of Indian industry leaves behind a lasting legacy, Bharat would miss him very dearly," the vice president secretariat wrote on X quoting Dhankhar. 

Speaker Birla said the country has lost a great industrialist and social worker who not only took Indian industry to new heights, but inspired every section of society with his selfless service and generosity.

"The simplicity, vision and service spirit of Ratan Tata will remain a source of inspiration for ages. His demise is an irreparable loss to the country," he posted on X.

Marine Drive road is closed beyond the Oberoi hotel as the Mumbai Police have cordoned off the road leading to NCPA Lawns.

Visuals from outside Ratan Tata’s residence in Mumbai from where his mortal remains are being taken to NCPA Lawns. His mortal remains will be kept at NCPA Lawns from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm for the public to pay their last respects.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday paid rich tributes to Ratan Tata, saying that for four decades, he was the gentle colossus of India's corporate world. Ramesh said Tata made the Tata conglomerate ready for a post-1991 India.

"For four decades, Ratan Tata was the gentle colossus of India's corporate world who made the Tata conglomerate ready for a post-1991 India," Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in-charge communications, said.

"It was not easy because he was surrounded by legends themselves when he succeeded JRD Tata, but he prevailed by his vision, resolve, and grit," Ramesh said in a post on X.

Ratan Tata had a stellar global reputation and was actually more than a business leader, the Congress leader said.

"He was a philanthropist in the finest traditions set by the great JN Tata himself at the turn of the century, and carried forward magnificently by his successors," Ramesh said.

"I first got to know Ratan Tata well in September 1985, when I was in the Ministry of Industry and he had come with a team to present a 20-year strategic plan for the Tata Group which would be supported by the Government of India. This was one of Rajiv Gandhi's new ideas for industrial policy," the Congress leader said.

"I had subsequently kept in touch with him every now and then. Ratan was tickled to know that my study abroad in the mid-1970s was funded in part by the JN Tata Loan Scholarship and never let me forget that " Ramesh said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has offered condolences on the demise of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata who passed away on Wednesday, calling it "the end of an era."
Jaishankar stated that Ratan Tata was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry and globalisation. He also recalled his interactions with the business tycoon.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday mourned the death of Ratan Tata, saying the "visionary" industrialist was a true "nationalist". "Deeply saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata ji, a true nationalist and a visionary industrialist who served as the Former Chairperson of Tata Group and brought immense pride to Bharat through his exceptional achievements," Goyal said in a post on social media platform X.

People from different walks of life gathered outside the residence of Ratan Tata in south Mumbai on Thursday morning to pay their respects to the veteran industrialist, who died in a hospital here.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the early visitors at Tata's home in Colaba area to pay homage to the industrialist.

Expressing condolences on the demise of the doyen of Indian industry and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said he has left an indelible mark on society. "Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a leader par excellence, visionary industrialist, and philanthropist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our society," Sitharaman said in a post on X.

Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed grief over the death of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata and described him as the conscience keeper of the industry and the nation. Ratan Tata (86), Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, breathed his last in a Mumbai hospital late Wednesday night.

 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday condoled the death of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, saying his contribution is an inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs and industrialists.      Tata passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night.

Ratan Tata's body has been brought to his residence in Colaba. His last rites will be performed at the Worli crematorium, where preparations are currently underway. The last rites will take place from 10 AM to 3:30 PM, with the final rituals occurring after 3:30 PM.

Following Ratan Tata's demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Noel Tata and expressed his condolences. Noel Naval Tata, Ratan Tata's half-brother, is considered one of the likely successors. 

Here’s an overview of Noel Tata's profile as listed on the Tata Sons website:

Noel N. Tata has been associated with the Tata group for 40 years and currently serves on the Board of various Tata Group Companies, including as the Chairman of Trent, Tata International Limited, Voltas & Tata Investment Corporation and as the Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited. He also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. 

Preparations are in full swing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point as Ratan Tata's mortal remains are set to be brought there for the public to pay their last respects before his final rites. His remains will be displayed at the NCPA in South Mumbai from 10 AM to 4 PM on Thursday. The last rites will take place later in the day in the Worli area of Mumbai.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will represent the Government of India at Ratan Tata's last rites.

Maharashtra Government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata, the Chief Minister's Office said. A statement quoting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast on October 10 as a sign of mourning.

There will be no entertainment events on Thursday, the statement said.

Tata's mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed in Worli area of Mumbai later in the day.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday night that industrialist Ratan Tata's last rites will be conducted with full state honors. CM Shinde stated that Tata's mortal remains will be displayed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, India's premier cultural institution, from 10 AM to 4 PM on Thursday for the public to pay their respects.

In a post on X, CM Shinde stated everyone will always remember the determination shown by him after the 2008 Mumbai attack. "His firm decisions, courageous attitude and social commitment will always be remembered. The last rites of late Ratanji Tata will be performed with full state honours," the Chief Minister said.

Ratan Tata served three terms as a trustee at Cornell University from 2006 to 2022. He was recognized as Cornell’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 and became a member of AAP’s Advisory Council in 2014. As a Cornell graduate, Tata was noted as the university's largest international donor, as stated by the university on Wednesday.

“Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” said interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff.

“Ratan’s quiet demeanour and humility belied his international profile. His generosity and concern for others enabled research and scholarship that improved the education and health of millions of people in India and beyond, and extended Cornell’s global impact,” he added.

“When Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell with a degree in architecture, it would have been impossible to imagine the global impact his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to humanity would go on to have in advancing education and research across many sectors,” remarked J. Meejin Yoon, the Dean of Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning.

The US mourned the death of veteran industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Naval Tata, remembering him as someone who drove India to greater prosperity and development. Atul Keshap, the president of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), stated that the Padma Vibhushan recipient was a "unique and noble son of India, a role model for the nobility and generosity".

“While some erroneously look down their noses at mere business, Ratan Tata reminded a global audience of the nobility of commerce even as he drove his companies and India to greater prosperity and development. He espoused values of humanity and compassion not only for his colleagues and business partners but also for the greater good,” Keshap said.

“His devotion to his staff was never more visible than after the terrible terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26/11/2008, and his love for his country and humanity, and animal kind, was displayed in so many ways, including his establishment of cancer hospitals and his legendary care for the dogs of Tata House,” he said.

“It is with profound sadness that the Indiaspora community acknowledges the passing of Ratan Tata, a visionary leader, compassionate philanthropist, and one of India’s most respected business icons,” said M. R. Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora.

“His extraordinary contribution to industry and his deep commitment to social causes have left an indelible mark not only on India but the world at large. Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire generations. His spirit and contributions will forever remain a guiding light,” he said.

Ratan Tata's death was confirmed by Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran who called Tata "a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation".

"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," Chandrasekaran said in a late-night statement.

For the Tata Group, he was more than a chairperson. "To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," he said.

Tata's dedication to philanthropy and the development of society touched the lives of millions. "From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata's genuine humility in every individual interaction," he said, adding his legacy will continue to inspire.

Educated at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, the veteran industrialist worked on the shop floor at the family-run group after returning to India in 1962. He gained experience in several Tata Group firms before being named director in charge of one of them, the National Radio and Electronics Co. in 1971. He became chairman of Tata Industries a decade later and in 1991 took over as the chairman of the Tata Group from his uncle, JRD, who had been in charge for more than half a century.

Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away at 11:30 pm on Wednesday (October 9) at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Tata, had been in intensive care at the hospital since Monday. He led the salt-to-software conglomerate for over two decades, transforming it into a global powerhouse.
 

Ratan N Tata was among India’s most respected and loved industralists, who took Tata Group to new heights and touched the fabric of the nation through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy. One of the most internationally well-known Indian business leader, Ratan Tata was known for his humility and compassion while also his vision, business acumen, integrity and ethical leadership. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2008.