Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that Ratan Tata, who passed away at the age of 86, will be accorded a state funeral. Tata, who died late Wednesday at a hospital in Mumbai, was a towering figure in Indian business and philanthropy. In his tribute on X (formerly Twitter), Shinde called Tata “a living legend,” praising him as a blend of morality and entrepreneurship who led the 150-year-old Tata Group with distinction. “Ratan Ji Tata’s mortal remains will be accorded a state funeral,” Shinde confirmed in the post.
Public Tribute Arrangements
Tata Group, in a statement, has outlined the arrangements for the public to pay their respects to Ratan Tata. His mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) Lawns in South Mumbai today from 10 am to 4 pm. The group has also provided specific instructions for those wishing to attend: “We 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 read.
Family’s Statement of Gratitude
Following Tata’s passing, the Tata family expressed their gratitude for the love and respect shown by people across the country. In a statement, the family said, “We, his brothers, sisters, and family, take solace in the immense affection from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations.”
Tributes from Tata Sons Leadership
N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, paid his tribute, calling Ratan Tata “a truly uncommon leader.” He spoke about Tata’s lasting influence on the Tata Group and on his own life, reflecting on how Tata was not only a corporate head but also a mentor, guide, and friend. “His leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and innovation, expanding the group’s global footprint while staying true to moral values. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed,” Chandrasekaran said.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 28, 1937, to Naval and Soonoo Tata, Ratan Tata and his brother Jimmy were raised by their grandmother Navajbai Tata at the Tata Palace in Mumbai. At the age of 17, he left for Cornell University, where he studied architecture and engineering, earning his degree in 1962. His years in America had a profound influence on him, particularly his time in California. However, he returned to India when his grandmother’s health deteriorated, and by 1962, he had joined Tata Industries.
Over the years, Ratan Tata worked across various companies within the Tata Group, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. He rose through the ranks, eventually being appointed Chairman of Tata Industries in 1981. He began restructuring the group in the early 1990s and led the company through a series of high-profile global acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.
A Humble and Beloved Figure
Ratan Tata’s humility made him beloved by people from all walks of life. He maintained a low public profile and was known for his compassionate nature. One of the most touching examples of this was in 2021, when Tata traveled from Mumbai to Pune to visit a former employee who had been unwell for two years. This gesture earned widespread praise on social media, further solidifying his reputation as a man of great empathy and kindness.
Tata’s love for dogs was also well-known. The Tata Sons headquarters, Bombay House, is home to several stray dogs that are cared for by the company. His personal commitment to animals and his quiet acts of kindness resonated with many, making him a beloved figure in Indian society.
Legacy of Integrity and Compassion
Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India’s highest civilian honors. His contributions to Indian industry and society were recognized both nationally and internationally.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, it’s clear that Ratan Tata’s influence extended far beyond the business world. His dedication to social responsibility, philanthropy, and ethical leadership will be remembered for generations to come. Chandrasekaran summed it up best: “His legacy will inspire us as we move forward, keeping his values at the core of everything we do.”
खो गया देश का अनमोल रत्न
— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) October 9, 2024
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
Public Tribute Arrangements
Tata Group, in a statement, has outlined the arrangements for the public to pay their respects to Ratan Tata. His mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) Lawns in South Mumbai today from 10 am to 4 pm. The group has also provided specific instructions for those wishing to attend: “We 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 read.
Family’s Statement of Gratitude
Following Tata’s passing, the Tata family expressed their gratitude for the love and respect shown by people across the country. In a statement, the family said, “We, his brothers, sisters, and family, take solace in the immense affection from all who admired him. While he is no longer with us, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations.”
Tributes from Tata Sons Leadership
N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, paid his tribute, calling Ratan Tata “a truly uncommon leader.” He spoke about Tata’s lasting influence on the Tata Group and on his own life, reflecting on how Tata was not only a corporate head but also a mentor, guide, and friend. “His leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and innovation, expanding the group’s global footprint while staying true to moral values. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed,” Chandrasekaran said.
Early Life and Career
Born on December 28, 1937, to Naval and Soonoo Tata, Ratan Tata and his brother Jimmy were raised by their grandmother Navajbai Tata at the Tata Palace in Mumbai. At the age of 17, he left for Cornell University, where he studied architecture and engineering, earning his degree in 1962. His years in America had a profound influence on him, particularly his time in California. However, he returned to India when his grandmother’s health deteriorated, and by 1962, he had joined Tata Industries.
Over the years, Ratan Tata worked across various companies within the Tata Group, including Tata Motors and Tata Steel. He rose through the ranks, eventually being appointed Chairman of Tata Industries in 1981. He began restructuring the group in the early 1990s and led the company through a series of high-profile global acquisitions, including Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus.
A Humble and Beloved Figure
Ratan Tata’s humility made him beloved by people from all walks of life. He maintained a low public profile and was known for his compassionate nature. One of the most touching examples of this was in 2021, when Tata traveled from Mumbai to Pune to visit a former employee who had been unwell for two years. This gesture earned widespread praise on social media, further solidifying his reputation as a man of great empathy and kindness.
Tata’s love for dogs was also well-known. The Tata Sons headquarters, Bombay House, is home to several stray dogs that are cared for by the company. His personal commitment to animals and his quiet acts of kindness resonated with many, making him a beloved figure in Indian society.
Legacy of Integrity and Compassion
Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, India’s highest civilian honors. His contributions to Indian industry and society were recognized both nationally and internationally.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, it’s clear that Ratan Tata’s influence extended far beyond the business world. His dedication to social responsibility, philanthropy, and ethical leadership will be remembered for generations to come. Chandrasekaran summed it up best: “His legacy will inspire us as we move forward, keeping his values at the core of everything we do.”
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