New Delhi:

Remembering industrialist Ratan Tata, Bangalore-based rangoli artist Akshay Jalihal created a colorful rangoli of him at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda metro station, popularly known as Majestic metro station. The rangoli has a portrait of Ratan Tata, in a blue blazer. Behind him, we see a staircase, indicating the departure of soul.

The artwork, created by Akshay Jalihal, honours Tata’s legacy following his death on October 9 at the age of 86. Ratan Tata was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital in a critical condition, where he breathed his last. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, confirmed the news late night on Wednesday.

In a statement, Mr Chandrasekaran said, “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.”

pic.twitter.com/QmtipQIovR

— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) October 9, 2024

Earlier, on Monday, Ratan Tata had dismissed speculation surrounding his health and had said he was undergoing medical check-ups due to his age and related medical conditions.

“Thank you for thinking of me,” he said.

Ever since the news broke, grief is pouring in from all parts of the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and titled the businessman, “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being”.

Ratan Tata was cremated on Thursday with full state honours in Worli, Mumbai.

Also Read: Ratan Tata’s Last Rites With State Honours, Thousands Pay Tribute

New Delhi:

In February 2007, Ratan Tata took to the skies in a high-speed adventure that few would ever experience. At the Aero India Show held in Bengaluru, Mr Tata, 69 at the time, was invited by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin to co-pilot an F-16 fighter jet. 

Known for his aviation skills, Mr Tata, who held licenses to fly both jets and helicopters, seized the opportunity to co-pilot the combat aircraft. Under the guidance of a seasoned Lockheed Martin pilot, he took over the controls during the half-hour flight. Soaring through clear skies and reaching altitudes as low as 500 feet, Mr Tata’s experience was described as nothing short of “exhilarating.”

READ | Ratan Tata To Get State Funeral, Day Of Mourning Declared In Maharashtra

Speaking to NDTV shortly after his flight, Mr Tata couldn’t contain his excitement. 

“You end up feeling very timid. We did a few things when the commander took over and did some roles, and all of it was very exciting. We went down to around 500 ft of the deck and it flew around the topography, and it’s just unbelievable because you just climb over a hill and come down, turn on your side or turn over. It’s just unbelievable,” Mr Tata told NDTV.

READ | Ratan Tata: Industrialist, Philanthropist, And Indian Icon

The Lockheed Martin pilot, who guided Mr Tata through the flight, shared the excitement. “He was absolutely thrilled. The highlight was when we flew at low altitudes-around 500 feet-at 600 knots. You get a real sense of how fast this aircraft can move,” the pilot recalled.

On landing, Mr Tata was greeted by Lockheed Martin officials who presented him with a miniature replica of the F-16. The American defence giant was at the time competing for a major multi-billion-dollar defence contract with India.

READ | “Thank You For Thinking Of Me”: Ratan Tata’s Last Social Media Post

But the F-16 wasn’t Mr Tata’s only airborne conquest that week. The very next day, he took to the skies once more – this time in Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet. Larger and more powerful than the F-16, the F-18 is a key asset in the US Navy’s aircraft carrier operations. For Mr Tata, who has long harboured a passion for aviation, flying two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets back-to-back was a dream come true.

Mr Tata died at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday and will be cremated with full state honours today. 

Mumbai:

Ratan Tata on Monday afternoon played down fears over his medical condition after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital early this morning after a sharp drop in his blood pressure. “There is no cause of concern…” he said on Instagram.

“I am aware of recent rumours circulating regarding my health and want to assure everyone that these claims are unfounded. I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions. I remain in good spirits…” Mr Tata said in his social media post.

“I request the public and media refrain from spreading misinformation,” the 86-year-old said.

A similar post was made on X, with the message “Thank you for thinking of me”.

Thank you for thinking of me pic.twitter.com/MICi6zVH99

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) October 7, 2024

An industrialist, humanist, philanthropist, and national icon, Mr Tata is the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, who founded a small business that is now one of the world’s largest corporations, with interests across the automotive, aerospace and defence, information technology, steel, real estate, financial services and investments, and aviation, e-commerce, and tourism sectors.

Mr Tata was twice the Chairperson of the Tata Group conglomerate, from 1991 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2017. Although he has long since stepped back from the company’s day-to-day running, he continues to head its charitable trusts. In 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second- highest civilian honour. He received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest, in 2000.

Since his (second) retirement, Mr Tata has become a popular figure on social media, with heartfelt posts about animal rights (particularly dogs) and appeals to Indian citizens.

In fact, with over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, he is the ‘most followed entrepreneur’ in India, according to the 360 ONE Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2023.