Farewell, Ratan Tata: State Funeral for Industry Giant, Thousands Pay Last Respects

Mumbai: The body of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata was moved from his residence to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) on Thursday morning, following the Maharashtra government’s decision to accord him State Honours. Tata’s mortal remains were wrapped in the national flag and transported in a hearse adorned with white flowers. The hearse made its way from his home in Colaba, located a short distance from the NCPA, where it will remain for public viewing until 4 PM. The Mumbai Police also band played a tune as a mark of respect before the hearse departed for NCPA.

The mortal remains of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata were wrapped in the national Tricolour as they were taken from his Mumbai residence to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA).

People from various walks of life gathered outside Tata’s residence early on Thursday to pay their respects, as news of his death spread. At 4PM, his body will embark on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, where his last rites will be performed. 

Thousands Pay Last Respects to Ratan Tata

Several prominent figures gathered at the NCPA grounds in Mumbai to pay their last respects to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata. Several Political figures, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP working president Praful Patel, were among the first to arrive at the NCPA lawns to offer their tributes. NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter, MP Supriya Sule, also paid their respects.

Others who came to pay their respect includes, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Tata's trusted assistant, Shantanu Naidu, who is also the youngest general manager in the Tata Group. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, MNS chief Raj Thackeray , and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das also paid tribute to Tata's legacy, acknowledging his immense contributions to Indian industry. 

Even before Tata's mortal remains were brought to the NCPA from his residence, many people waited patiently in queues to get a last glimpse of the person who held an immense respect in their hearts for different reasons.

Union Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects to industrialist Ratan Tata at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on Thursday. Shah, representing the Union Government, arrived at the NCPA lawns around 2 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences to Noel Tata, Ratan Tata’s half-brother, acknowledging Tata's immense contribution to shaping India’s industrial sector. Modi called Tata a visionary who played a key role in placing India on the global business map.

Maharashtra Declares Mourning and State Funeral

The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning in Tata's honour. As part of the state tribute, the national flag is being flown at half-mast at government buildings across Maharashtra . In addition, the state government has announced that no entertainment events will take place on Thursday.

At 4 PM, Tata’s body will begin its final journey to the Worli Crematorium, where his last rites will be conducted at the Prayer Hall. The state funeral will include full state honours, in recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy.

State Pays Tribute to the Industrial Icon

Maharashtra CM Shinde has said Ratan Tata will be accorded a state funeral. The government has declared a day of mourning today to honor the legacy of industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 in hospital on Wednesday.

The announcement came from the Chief Minister's Office, which said the national flag will be flown at half-mast across all government offices in the state. 

In tribute to Tata, there will be no entertainment events in Maharashtra on Thursday, the statement confirmed. Tata is credited for transforming the Tata Group into a global business powerhouse over several decades.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also extended his condolences, highlighting Tata’s immense contributions to industry and society.

Tata, aged 86, passed away in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, prompting tributes from across the nation for his role in transforming the Tata Group and his extensive philanthropic efforts.

(With Inputs from PTI)