Ratan Naval Tata, the honorary chairman of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86. He breathed his last late Wednesday night at around 11 PM. Tata was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, battling age-related ailments.
His body has been placed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where people can pay their respects until 4 PM today. The cremation will take place in the evening with full state honors.
The first news of his passing was shared by industrialist Harsh Goenka, who tweeted at 11:24 PM, “The ticking of the clock has stopped. Titan is no more. Ratan Tata was a symbol of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy.”
Ratan Tata, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, had been admitted to the ICU earlier on October 7. However, he had denied reports of his serious illness, stating that he was in the hospital for a routine check-up and was fine.
Tributes from Business Leaders and Political Figures
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran: “We bid farewell to Ratan Tata with deep sorrow. For the group, he was more than just a chairman. To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend.”
President Droupadi Murmu: “India has lost an icon who combined corporate growth, nation-building, and ethics. Ratan Tata carried forward the legacy of the Tata Group with excellence.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Tata was a visionary business leader, a kind soul, and an extraordinary person. He provided steady leadership to one of India’s oldest and most respected business houses, the Tata Group. His contribution extended far beyond the boardroom.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi: “Ratan Tata was a man of vision. He left an indelible mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”
Mukesh Ambani: “This is a very sad day for India. Ratan Tata’s passing is a tremendous loss, not just for the Tata Group but for every Indian. Personally, I am deeply saddened because I have lost a friend.”
Gautam Adani: “India has lost a great and visionary leader. Tata redefined the path of modern India. He was not just a business leader but embodied the spirit of India with compassion.”
Anand Mahindra: “I find it hard to accept that Ratan Tata is no longer with us. He will never be forgotten because great men never truly die.”
Sundar Pichai: “Listening to Ratan Tata’s vision during our last meeting was inspiring. He leaves behind an extraordinary business legacy. He played a crucial role in shaping and guiding modern business leadership in India.”
Sudha Murthy, wife of Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy, said, “I had the privilege of meeting him. He lived with great simplicity and had a deep sense of compassion for others. I miss him. I’ve never met anyone like him in my life. His passing feels like the end of an era. I learned philanthropy from the Tata family. His loss is deeply personal to me.”
Ratan Tata’s body, draped in the Indian tricolor, is currently placed on the lawns of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where the public will be allowed to pay their last respects.
State Mourning and Tributes
The Maharashtra government has announced a day of mourning today, Thursday (October 10), in honor of Ratan Tata. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings, and no cultural or entertainment programs will be held today. Ratan Tata’s cremation will be conducted with full state honors.
The Jharkhand government has also declared a day of mourning. Tata last visited Jharkhand on March 2, 2021, where he inaugurated the Naval Tata Hockey Academy building and the IIT center in Jamshedpur.
