Mumbai:

The final rites of Ratan Naval Tata – the industrialist with a heart of gold – were performed with full State honours at a Mumbai crematorium this afternoon.

Home Minister Amit Shah was among the many high-profile dignitaries on hand to pay their final respects to Mr Tata; he stands in for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is en route to Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits. Mr Modi last night hailed Mr Tata as a “an extraordinary human being”.

Mr Shah was accompanied by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

Earlier today  Ratan Tata lay in state, wrapped in the national flag, at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Nariman Point, before his body was transported to the crematorium in Worli, a distance of 12 km.

Thousands lined the streets to bid goodbye to one of their own, an unassuming Mumbai-born and bred ‘chhotu‘ who transformed the Tata brand into a global powerhouse.

And the country’s most powerful politicians were joined by its most influential celebrities – actors and sportspersons – and the country’s richest, including the Ambanis and the Adanis, in paying their respects.

Maharashtra has announced a day of mourning as a mark of respect for a business leader and philanthropist admired in India and abroad for his simplicity, sincerity, and humanity.

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

Ratan Tata’s contributions to the industrial and development sectors, to the economy and to the lives of tens of thousands of men and women, are too many to count.

Some, perhaps, deserve mention, such as the ‘revenge’ purchase of luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover, which heralded India’s arrival on the global automotive stage, and his commitment to the welfare of dogs, exemplified by the Rs 165 crore hospital in Mumbai.

READ | The Jaguar Land Rover Story:  Ratan Tata’s ‘Revenge’ For Ford Snub

But his death unquestionably marks the end of an era; he was, perhaps, the last of his kind, someone who, despite fabulous privilege, never appeared to flaunt his wealth.

Indeed, Mr Tata could never be found on a list of billionaires simply because he donated the vast majority – 60 to 65 per cent, if some sources are to be believed – of his income.

The End

Ratan Tata died at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital late last night at the age of 86.

READ | Ratan Tata, Industry Legend National Icon, Dies At 86

He was admitted Monday but, as was his nature, played down any fuss, declaring he was undergoing routine age-related medical check-ups. “There is no cause for concern. Thank you for thinking of me…”

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

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

Hours later, just as discreetly and quietly, the Tata family broke the news.

“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,” the group’s Chairperson, N Chandrasekaran, said.

As the news spread the outpouring of grief underlined Mr Tata’s stature, but it was a fellow industrial titan, Anand Mahindra, who best captured the emotions of 145 crore Indians.

“I am unable to accept…” he said.

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New Delhi:

Industrialist Ratan Tata, in an exclusive interview with NDTV in 2010, recalled an interesting conversation he had with a fellow billionaire. Mr Tata said the billionaire suggested he pay Rs 15 crore to a minister for an undisclosed business deal. 

Mr Tata, of course, refused. The fellow industrialist then asked Mr Tata, “How do you avoid corruption?”

To which, Mr Tata replied, “It has to be self-regulating. You will never understand.” 

Mr Tata died at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. Mr Tata’s death marks the end of an era in Indian business, where a man reshaped the country’s industrial landscape and catapulted his family-owned conglomerate into a global powerhouse. His death has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country. 

“I want to go to bed at night feeling that I have not done it (corruption),” Mr Tata said. 

Mr Tata will be cremated today with full state honours. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also announced a day of mourning to honour the legendary industrialist and philanthropist. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices in Maharashtra as a mark of respect. Many events scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled.

Mr Tata’s body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10 am to 4 pm today, where people can pay their last respects. 

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and a philanthropist, died on October 9. He was 86. He was reportedly admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital in a critical condition, where he breathed his last. Several politicians and industry leaders have expressed shock and grief over RatanTata’s death. 

In a statement, Tata Sons Chairman N 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.” 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on Mr Tata’s death. He called him “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being”.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the last rites of Mr Tata will be performed with full state honours. 

Updates on Ratan Tata death:

Devendra Fadnavis Highlights Ratan Tata’s Social Work

Maharashtra, deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed Tata’s work in areas of education, rural development and malnourishment. Tata’s compassion was visible through the work done by the Tata Trust “for cancer patients or establishment of a hospital for animals,” Mr Fadnavis said.

श्री रतन टाटा जी सफल उद्योगपति तो थे ही किंतु वो उससे कहीं ज्यादा बड़े व्यक्तिमत्व थे।
समाज और देश के लिए उनके द्वारा किए गए कार्य बहुत महत्त्वपूर्ण हैं। एक बहुत बड़े मन के व्यक्ति आज हमारे बीच से चले गए हैं ये देश के लिए बहुत बड़ा नुकसान है।#RatanTatapic.twitter.com/xWwmkJ9reD

– Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 9, 2024

Aditya Thackeray Express His Grief Over Death Of Ratan Tata

Aditya Thackeray on Wednesday expressed his grief over the death of Indian business tycoon Ratan Tata. He said in his social media post that humanity has lost a compassionate leader.

With the passing away of Ratan Tata sir, not just India, but humanity has lost a compassionate leader.
A business tycoon who also excelled at philanthropy.

I will always remember him, not just for his commitment to business and philanthropy, or only for his compassion for…

– Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata Death: “India Lost An Icon”, Says President Murmu On Ratan Tata’s Death
President Droupadi Murmu offered her condolences to the family of businessman Ratan Tata. President Murmu said that India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics.

Ratan Tata Death: Rahul Gandhi, INDIA Bloc Leaders Pay Respects To Mr Tata
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and many other INDIA bloc leaders expressed grief over Ratan Tata’s death. 

Ratan Tata Death: Mr Tata’s Last Rites To Be Performed With Full State Honours, Says Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the last rites of Ratan Tata, who died on October 9 aged 86, will be performed with full state honours. 

खो गया देश का अनमोल रत्न

रतनजी टाटा नैतिकता और उद्यमशीलता के अपूर्व और आदर्श संगम थे.लगभग 150 वर्षों की उत्कृष्टता और अखंडता की परंपरा वाले टाटा ग्रुप की कमान सफलतापूर्वक संभालने वाले रतनजी टाटा एक जीवित किवदंती थे.उन्होंने समय-समय पर जिस निर्णय क्षमता और मानसिक दृढ़ता का परिचय… https://t.co/u6MdkdheCC

– Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata Death: Sundar Pichai Recounts The Last Time He Met Mr Tata

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, expressed grief over Ratan Tata’s death. IIn a post on X, Sundar Pichai recalls the last time he met Mr Tata. The meeting was at Google and the two talked about the progress of Waymo. Sunday Pichai says that Mr Tata’s vision was “inspiring to hear”.

“My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” Sundar Pichai said in a post on X. 

My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply…

– Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata Death: Mamata Banerjee Saddened By Mr Tata’s Death

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she was saddened by the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, describing him as “a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist”.

Taking to X minutes after news of the 86-year-old industrialist’s death became public, Ms Banerjee said in a post, “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.” Read more.

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…

– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata Dies At 86: Tata Sons’ Full Statement
Ratan Tata, one of India’s most loved industrialists, died today aged 86. He was reportedly admitted to a Mumbai hospital in critical condition. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has confirmed the sad news.

Ratan Tata dies: Anand Mahindra said he was “unable to accept” Tata’s absence
“I am unable to accept the absence of  Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable,” said Anand Mahindra.

Ratan Tata death: Cong condoles Ratan Tata’s death

The Congress on Wednesday condoled the death of Ratan Tata, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi saying he was a man with a vision “who has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed sadness over Tata’s death, saying that in his passing away “we have lost an invaluable son of India”.

Ratan Tata’s death: Industrialists remember the national icon

Ratan Tata dies: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi mourns the industrialist

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi condoled the death of industrilist Ratan Tata who died on Wednesday evening.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ratan Tata ji. He exemplified ethical leadership, always placing the welfare of the country and its people above all else. His kindness, humility, and passion for making a difference will be remembered forever,” she wrote on X.

Ratan Tata’s life in pictures

Ratan Tata’s death: India has lost its accomplished son, says Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari condoled the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, saying the country has lost an ideal and accomplished son. Tata, 86, breathed his last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital late Wednesday night.

Ratan Tata Dies: Industrialist’s love for dogs

Ratan Tata dies: “Extremely pained,” says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief on the death of Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who died at the Breach Candy Hospital following age-related health conditions.

“My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Ratan Tata Dies: PM Modi Remembers Mr Tata, Calls Him “A visionary Business Leader, A Compassionate Soul”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the death of Ratan Tata, one of the country’s top industrialists, calling him “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being”.

“He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” read PM Modi’s post on X, formerly Twitter. Read more.

Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024

Ratan Tata Dies At 86: Tata Sons’ Full Statement

“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.

For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata 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.

Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has 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.

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On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.

N Chandrasekaran

Chairman

Tata Sons”