Ratan Naval Tata Passes Away Highlights: Final rites of legend industrialist Ratan Tata performed with full state honours

I was told that Mr Tata was coming to Delhi and he would like to have a meeting with me in my office. Now that was a bit too much. The titan that he was — a person hardly seen in the corridors of North and South Blocks – come to the CAG office! Well how do you say “no” to such an offer. I accepted and stated that he could indicate the date and time convenient to him.

That was not to be. His office got in touch with my staff to ascertain when I would be in Delhi and to learn of my engagements so that the visit could be scheduled without upsetting my commitments. By now I was getting accustomed to these surprises. So a date was fixed. Since I was coming to terms with my luck, I decided to push it further. He was visiting around noon time, so I offered to host him for lunch in the office. The invitation was accepted! Writes Rai for the Indian Express. 

Noel Tata was appointed as chairman of the Tata group’s philanthropic arm Tata Trusts today on Friday, media channel CNBC TV18  reported.

He will be succeeding his half brother Ratan Naval Tata who passed away earlier this week at the age of 86 in Mumbai, after a brief illness.

Following the industrialist’s death, Noel was seen as a strong contender to succeed the Tata legacy due to his familial ties and involvement in many of the Tata group companies.

RN Sharma, who is now 100, said Tata demonstrated an unwavering dedication to quality and integrity in every endeavour.

A former vice president of Tata Steel and an ex-MD of Tata Tinplate, he recollected how he met Tata.

'It was the late 1960s, a pivotal time in my career as I served as the Chief Mining Engineer at Jamadoba. That was when I first met Ratan Tata, a young man brimming with curiosity and determination,' Sharma recalled.

Tata visited the mines, and what started as a professional introduction quickly blossomed into a friendship that would last for decades, he told PTI, terming his demise as the end of an era.

'For two weeks, I had the privilege of showing him around our operations, the intricate world of mining, sharing the challenges and triumphs that came with it. In the evenings, our conversations flowed as freely as the coal dust that surrounded us. We dined together, discussed our visions for the future, and bonded over our shared values,' reminisced Sharma.

.'Ratan Tata's mantra was simple yet profound -- be number one or be ready to be wiped out, there's nothing in between. It was a reminder for all to always aim high, to push boundaries, and to strive for excellence. He embodied these principles himself, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to quality and integrity in every endeavour,' Sharma recollected.

There was no place for 'show off' in Tata's humble life, he said.

'One of the most memorable moments I experienced with him was during a seemingly ordinary evening at Bombay House. As I waited for my car, Ratan approached me and asked where I was headed. I mentioned the Taj Hotel, and without a moment's hesitation, he hopped into the hired car with me. Here was the chairman of Tata Group, riding in a humble taxi, sharing a ride and laughter as if we were old friends. It was a unique experience that encapsulated his humility, showing that true greatness doesn't require showmanship,' he said.

'As I reflect on our journey together, I am reminded of the impact Ratan Tata has had not just on the Tata group, but on all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire us to be better, to strive for excellence, and to lead with humility,' Sharma said in a choked voice.

When I asked him about his autobiography, Ratan replied with characteristic humility. He said he had not written one, but a biography had been compiled which he had thrown out of the window, adding that it was meaningless to add to the gossip and anecdotes of Mumbai’s Willingdon Club. He then asked me what his autobiography might say and if it would serve any public purpose.

I responded that he had seen pre-independent India, a newly independent India with its struggles for food and foreign exchange in an over-regulated economy, and was part of the country’s subsequent growth story, which is now unfolding into a quest to become a developed economy by 2047.

Ratan felt this was, indeed, a worthwhile endeavour and wanted to discuss more. We planned to meet again either in Delhi or Mumbai. Alas, that chance eluded us, writes NK Singh for the Indian Express. 

Over 300 community Durga Puja committees in Jamshedpur refrained from playing music and cancelled cultural programmes on Thursday as a mark of respect to Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons Ratan Naval Tata, who died in a Mumbai hospital a day ago.

A senior functionary of the Central Durga Puja Committee of the city said some of the organisers have also put up Tata's photograph beside the marquees.

"We have appealed to all the community puja committees to observe the festival in a simple manner and urged them not to play any music, barring mandatory instruments like 'dhak' (drum) etc, to pay respect to Ratan Tata," General Secretary of the Central Puja Committee, Ashutosh Kumar Singh, told PTI.

It is impossible to fully capture all that Ratan Tata (RNT, as he was affectionately called) embodied — words cannot adequately describe a person of his stature and qualities. So, I would prefer to recount a few incidents where RNT left an indelible mark on me.

He was a remarkable ambassador for India. His sophistication and ability to connect with people from all over the world as a global citizen put everyone at ease. Over the years, I brought many global business leaders to meet him — people who had met prime ministers and business leaders from around the world went away awed after meeting RNT. In fact, a visit to India was incomplete without a meeting with him on the itinerary — he represented the very best of India. They were all struck by his vision, his frankness, his humility, his grace, and his humour. Meetings were typically conducted alone, with at most a note-taker, always on time, and he always walked with us to the lift to see us off. Over time, I learned from him what it takes to be a tall leader and an ambassador for India, writes Naina Lal Kidwai. 

“Today, the state government of Assam in partnership with the Tata group will make Assam a major player in sophisticated semiconductors. This new development will put Assam on the global map,” Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons who passed away on Wednesday, said in a post on X at the time. His imprint was there on the way the deal shaped up.

With the passing away of Ratan Tata, the top post of Chairman at Tata Trusts, which has a 66 per cent stake in the diversified group’s holding company Tata Sons, has fallen vacant. By virtue of its dominant shareholding in Tata Sons, the person holding the Chairman post at Tata Trusts will play a crucial role in the group’s affairs and future growth at a time when the group companies are faced with multiple challenges.

The money spinner for the group is TCS which made a profit of Rs 43,559 crore in FY2024 and the group was bankrolling new investments from the dividend generated from the tech giant for Tata Sons. The global economic downturn and domestic challenges could pose major challenges for the group’s leaders and companies like Tata Steel, TCS and Tata Motors in the coming years. The big challenge before Ratan Tata’s successor will be to lead the group companies in a cohesive way with foresight, vision and dynamism.

Ratan Tata was unquestionably India’s most respected businessman, even though by the standards of India’s wealthiest billionaires he was relatively poor. But by virtue of his position as chairperson of the Sir Dorab Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which own 66 per cent of Tata Sons, the holding company for India’s largest and most prestigious business house, he was more powerful than any other Indian businessman.

Despite perforce often being in the spotlight, the reclusive Parsi bachelor businessman was very much a loner and hard to fathom. His former executive assistant R Venkataraman, when asked about his proximity to his former boss in an unguarded moment, remarked that those closest to Ratan were not people but his pet dogs and all strays. In an interview with me, Tata did not entirely reject this characterisation, confessing “I am not very sociable but I am not anti-social.”

Handed over the ropes of the Tata Group in 1991, Ratan Tata had just embraced the mantle of leadership when the diversified group’s growth story had some parallels with India’s economic growth story as well. As India took its leap towards liberalisation in 1991, Tata also worked towards revamping the Group, taking business decisions during his tenure that looked like failure to his critics, but helped turn around the fortunes of many group companies — both in domestic operations and the group’s global footprint. From Tata Tea’s acquisition of Tetley in 2000 to acquiring the UK-based Corus Group in 2007 and reviving the once-struggling British luxury car manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) post acquisition in 2008, Tata set the ball rolling on the Group’s presence overseas, charting out a path for other companies to follow.

About 15 years ago, Ratan Tata promised something that would shake up the Indian vehicle market – Tata Nano, a car that would cost just Rs 1 lakh and fulfil the middle-class dream of owning a four-wheeler. It became commonly known as the Lakhtakia car, the Hindi equivalent of a Rs 1 lakh car.

The proposal, though, faced significant roadblocks. His proposed car factory at Singur in Bengal – this was when Buddhadeb Bhattacharya as the CPI(M)’s Bengal Chief Minister was trying to attract investment to the state and change the direction of his party – got caught in a land acquisition row, as Mamata Banerjee, keen to replace the CPI(M), launched a movement against the plan.

Tata did not wait long for the Singur crisis to resolve. Deft at doing business with politicians while maintaining enough of a distance, he bagged a deal from Narendra Modi, the then CM of Gujarat who was trying to build an industry-friendly image, to set up the car factory at Sanand in Gujarat instead.

The Suzuki suffix meant that Maruti was never truly an Indian car. The Ambassador — although assembled in India — was essentially an Indian-assembled version of the British Morris Oxford. India did not have a truly indigenous car. Until Indica.

Unveiled in 1998 at the Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan, Tata’s first foray into passenger vehicles was game-changing. And behind it was the vision of one man: Ratan Tata.

Ratan’s predecessor, JRD Tata, had dreamt of launching a fully indigenous family car. But the government’s policies at the time did not allow him to proceed. The idea of Indica came up only after 1991 — when JRD stepped down and named Ratan as Tata Sons chairman, and India’s economy underwent structural reforms.

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued an advisory to protect students and parents from the misleading promises of ed-tech companies.

According to the advisory issued on Tuesday, the ed-tech companies lure students and parents with extravagant promises, often leading them to incur loans at excessive interest rates, risking their financial stability.

The DoE said these companies use syllabi and teaching methodologies which are not regulated by NCERT, SCERT and any other educational body.

According to the directorate, many of these firms repackage freely available educational content, market it as exclusive, and employ aggressive marketing strategies and social media campaigns.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike along with his supporters at Delhi's Ladakh Bhawan, paid tributes to Ratan Tata on Thursday.

The hunger strike entered its fifth day on Thursday.

In a post on X, Wangchuk paid homage to Tata, who died on Wednesday night at the age of 86, and said Tata Sons, owned by the Tata Trust, redistributes its wealth through social work.

"I want to pay my respects and homage to Ratan Tataji, who headed the Tata Sons. I've always admired them for their work for social welfare," Wangchuk said, adding that 66 per cent of Tata Sons is owned by Tata Trusts, which redistributes this wealth through its activities in education, health and rural development.

The business community in Bengal and across India is in mourning, following the demise of Ratan Tata, the legendary former chairman of the Tata Group.

Tributes poured in from industry leaders and organisations alike, expressing their deep sorrow and admiration for Tata's legacy.

Amit Saraogi, president of the MCCI, lauded Tata's transformative leadership, which saw the Tata Group's revenues soar from USD 4 billion to over USD 100 billion. Saraogi also highlighted Tata's significant contributions to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy.

Titagarh Rail VC & MD Umesh Chowdhary and other prominent figures echoed Saraogi's sentiments, emphasising Tata's inspirational qualities and unwavering commitment to excellence.

'Welcome'. The one-word SMS from then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to Ratan Tata led to the Tata Nano project being shifted from West Bengal to Gujarat in 2008, ending one chapter and beginning another in the history of what was billed to be the world's cheapest car.

Led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, fierce protests had broken out in West Bengal against the acquisition of land by the then ruling Left Front government led by chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in 2006 for the Tata Group to set up Nano car production unit in Singur.

India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev remembered iconic industrialist Ratan Tata for his humility and love for animals, saying the philanthropist would easily fit into the country's top-10 personalities since Independence.

A doyen of India Inc and chief of Tata Group, Ratan Tata died in Mumbai on Wednesday at the age of 86. "Since we got independence, if we have to choose 10 people, he will be right at the top, not at the bottom, he was such a person. He set an example how an industry should be created, not for himself, but for the country," Kapil said during an interaction with media on the sidelines of a golf-related event.

Ratan Tata, the former Tata Group chairperson who headed the empire famously known for its salt to software imprint on Indian lives, made just one foray into the entertainment industry. And it didn't work.

"Aetbaar", co-produced by Tata Infomedia and Cutting Edge Entertainment Productions, tanked at the box office. Inspired by the 1996 Hollywood movie "Fear", the psychological thriller starred Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham and Bipasha Basu and was directed by Vikram Bhatt.

NGO Population Foundation of India (PFI) has expressed deep sorrow on the death of Ratan Naval Tata, a long-serving member of its governing board since 1994.

Tata, a key figure in philanthropy and corporate leadership, continued the legacy of PFI's founder JRD Tata by actively supporting the organisation's initiatives on population, gender, and youth issues, the NGO said in a statement.

Ratan Tata's commitment to social causes, notably through Tata Trusts, saw him channel substantial resources toward healthcare, education, and rural development.

Shantanu Naidu, a long-time associate of Ratan Tata, on Thursday bid adieu to the industrialist, comparing his boss to a "lighthouse".

"The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill," Naidu, a general manager in the Office of RNT, wrote on a professional networking site in the early hours.

Later in the morning, everybody saw Naidu riding out of Tata's house on a Yezdi motorcycle, leading the truck carrying his boss' mortal remains.

"Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse," said the short post, accompanied by a picture of the two in what seems like a chartered aircraft.  (PTI) 

Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai Wednesday night. He was admitted following age-related health issues and was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Tata, a beacon of India Inc, steered his group amid India’s economic liberalisation and, subsequently, guided its global expansion.

Conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, Tata was considered one of the greatest philanthropists in the country who touched lives of millions through his work in the field of healthcare, education, drinking water and many other areas.

Here's a look at the family tree of the Tatas

"For us he will be remembered as the first of his generation to invest in digital startups such as Snapdeal, Lenskart, Urban Company, and others. He led the trend and others followed," Subho Ray, President, Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), on the demise of veteran industrialist. 

Industry titan Ratan Tata was given a ceremonial guard of honour by the Mumbai Police after his mortal remains were brought to a crematorium in Worli for final rites on Thursday evening.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal were present at the crematorium in central Mumbai.

"Have joined millions of Indians to grieve the sad demise of Ratan Tata Ji. Also laid a wreath on behalf of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji," Shah said in a post on X.

Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata's leadership at the diversified conglomerate Tata Group set global benchmarks for ethical business and his legacy would continue to guide future generations, the President of over century-old Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ramkumar Shankar said on Thursday.

In his condolence message, Shankar paid rich encomiums to Tata saying he is a visionary business leader whose legacy of integrity, innovation and philanthropy transformed Indian industry and uplifted countless lives. PTI

Ola Founder Bhavish Aggarwal on Thursday said Ratan Tata ignited the passion for electric vehicles (EVs) in him that led to the establishment of Ola Electric.

In a post on X titled "Ratan Tata, my personal hero", Aggarwal outlined how Tata played a key role in setting up Ola Electric. "The one story I'd like to share today is his key role in the founding of my second company Ola Electric. One day in 2017 I got a call from him asking me to come to Mumbai. He just said - 'Bhavish I want to take you somewhere and show you something exciting'," he told PTI. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday condoled the passing away of industry stalwart Ratan Tata as the "end of an era". Tata breathed his last in Mumbai on Wednesday night. He was 86.

Jaishankar, in a post on X, said Tata was deeply associated with the modernisation of the Indian industry. "The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation," he said.

Leading stock exchange BSE on Thursday acknowledged Ratan Tata's lasting influence on the nation's business landscape, saying "India has lost a pioneer, but not his legacy." In his condolence message on the death of Tata, BSE highlighted the industrialist's unparalleled contribution to Indian industry, noting that his visionary leadership continues to serve as an inspiration.

"His enduring legacy will continue to guide the country in building a future grounded in unity and vision," BSE said in a statement.

The exchange expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Tata, one of India's most iconic business leaders. PTI

The mortal remains of industrialist Ratan Tata are being taken from Mumbai's NCPA to Worli for final rites.

His body was kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai for the public to pay respects from around 10.30 am to 3.55 pm where thousands of people from different walks of life flocked in.

Tata, credited with transforming the Tata Group into a globally renowned conglomerate, died at age 86 at the Breach Candy Hospital in the city on Wednesday night.  (PTI) 

The Gujarat government has declared one-day mourning on October 10, 2024, to pay respects to the late Ratan Tata, the PTI said.  

"I think it is a tremendous loss. For corporate India, Tata Group has set standards of corporate governance which all of us would like to emulate," says Madhabi Puri Buch, chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the demise of Indian industry's 'mahanayak' (mega star) Ratan Tata is an 'irreparable loss', while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav shared a picture with the business tycoon and paid respects.

Ratan Tata, who was also Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, breathed his last on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital. He was 86.

'The demise of India's renowned industrialist Padma Vibhushan Shri Ratan Tata ji is extremely sad. He was the 'mahanayak' of Indian industry. His demise is an irreparable loss for the industry,' Adityanath said in his condolence message on X.

'His entire life was dedicated to the industrial and social development of the country. He was a 'ratan' (gem)for the country in the true sense of the word,' his post in Hindi added. (PTI) 

The Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday passed a proposal to request the Union government to award the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, to industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday night.

Ttributes were paid to Tata during the cabinet meeting. A statement issued by the cabinet said India and Maharashtra have suffered an irreparable loss with the passing of the industrialist.

“Entrepreneurship is also an effective way of building society. The country can be taken forward only by starting new industries, but for that one needs true patriotism in the heart and equally sincere concern for our society,” the statement said.

The statement further said, “We have lost a great social worker, visionary and patriotic leader. Tata’s contribution was phenomenal not only in the industrial sector of India, but also in the work of social upliftment. He was the son of Maharashtra and India was proud of him. With self-discipline, clean governance and high moral values observed in running large enterprises, Tata has made a mark on the international stage for himself and for India. With his demise, a major pillar of the country has collapsed.

"Ratan Tata was not just India’s leading and noblest business titan; he was an Institution in himself. Ratan added many enduring chapters to the Tata Legacy by taking it global. He truly represented India’s Aspirations. He will always live on in the countless Indians whom he touched with his professional and philanthropic deeds. On behalf of the Hinduja Group and the Family, our prayers to the Lord Almighty for his peaceful abode with Himself. Om Shanti," said GP Hinduja, Chairperson, Hinduja Group. 

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia paid tributes to veteran Industrialist Ratan Tata on his demise and said that his life is an inspiration to every youth and Indian.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai aged 86 on Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Scindia said, "Today is a sad day for the whole country. The true son of India, Ratan Tata is not with us. His life is an inspiration to every youth and Indian. His firm willpower, his capacity to take risks, his firm resolve and he used to invest in things others were scared to invest in. ANI

Industrialist Mukesh Ambani paid last respects to Ratan Tata. He was accompanied by wife Nita, son Aakash and daughter-in-law Shloka.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has paid last respects to industrialist Ratan Tata at NCPA lawns in Mumbai

People from all walks of life have been mourning the loss of industrialist Ratan Tata. Tata Workers' Union VP Shahnawaz Alam, expressing grief told news agency PTI, "Yesterday, we got to know about the demise of Padma Bhushan Ratan Tata. It's a great loss for the company, society and nation. He used to meet employees, entire workers' union and people of Jamshedpur."

Condolences have been pouring in from far and wide after the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata. Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong remarked Tata as a visionary global business leader as well as a cherished partner.

Phong in a statement said, 'He played a pivotal role in setting up our Vistara joint venture over a decade ago, laying the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. Vistara quickly established itself as India's most-loved full service airline,' he said in a statement.

As Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines continue the collaboration on the Vistara-Air India merger, he also said that Tata's legacy inspires us. 'His vision and values will no doubt continue to guide our path forward'. The Singapore Airlines chief also said he had the privilege of knowing Tata personally and catching up with him during many visits to India.

Vistara is a joint venture between the Tatas and Singapore Airlines.

With PTI inputs

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata and in a letter he wrote, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ratan Tata ji, a stalwart of Indian industry. He was much more than a business icon, his vision and humanity demonstrated in the work of several charities founded and nurtured during his life.

He was having the courage of speaking the truth to the men in power. I have fond memories of working very closely with him on several occasions. I take this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences on this sad occasion. May his soul Rest in Peace.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray have arrived at NCPA to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata.

In a mark of respect to Ratan Tata who breathed his last on Wednesday, Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements. Officials on Thursday said the three airlines, part of the Tata Group, will be making announcements in remembrance of Tata in their flights during the day.

Tata's death comes at a time when the conglomerate is in the process of completing the consolidation of its airline business -- the integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1 while the merger of Vistara with Air India is set for November 12. Vistara is a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

In his message to the employees, Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said Tata's passion and immense contribution to aviation and his guidance in the shaping the group and organisation makes the loss deeper. 'His legacy lives on and continues to inspire us in our journey ahead,' he added.

With PTI inputs

Ratan’s character was shaped to an extent by a lonely and strict childhood and a feeling of rejection. His father Naval was a disciplinarian. Ratan told me, “It was not that my brother Jimmy and I got caned, but he expected a certain decorum. We were never allowed to flaunt our wealth.’’ Ratan’s grandmother Lady Navajbai Tata, widow of Sir Jamsetji Tata’s younger son, was his main anchor when he was young. His mother Sooni left Ratan when he was only 10 and his father later remarried and had a second family. Navajbai ingrained in her grandson the unique industrial and philanthropic legacy of the Tata group, particularly the extraordinary history of the far-sighted founder Sir Jamsetji, who besides several other pioneering ventures, envisaged India’s first steel mill, first hydroelectric plant and the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

It was made clear to Ratan by his grandmother from a very early age that he had large shoes to fill. What is not known to many is that Ratan and his father Naval were not actually descended from the Tata founder. Neither of Jamseji’s two sons had children and after Ratanji’s death in 1918, his widow Navajbai adopted an orphan boy, Naval, from the J N Petit Parsi Orphanage in Parel, Mumbai. Read more

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed for Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata and the proposal accepted at the state level will be submitted to the Central government. 

Union Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar expressed grief over the demise of Ratan Tata and termed it as the end of an era.

"The passing away of Ratan Tata is the end of an era. He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation," Jaishankar said in a post on X. "Was my privilege to have interacted with him on numerous occasions. And benefitted from his vision and insights. Join the nation in mourning his demise. Om shanti," he said.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal lauded industrialist Ratan Tata and remarked about his contributions. Tata's last rites will be performed later in the day.

"Ratan Tata was a gem of India. He lived (loved) Bharat till his last breath. Indian business, Indian story across the world has been synonymous with Tata Group's foray across the world in different sectors whether he bought companies like Corus Steel, Tata Jaguar Land Rover, he took TCS across the world. He stands out as somebody who (made) India proud, a son of the soil, a very modest person, very down to earth, very simple in his living, never flashy, would drive his own car until recently, as long as he could, he had a deep passion for aviation, someone who lived with purpose, passion, with profound generosity, had a very good sense of humour, was loved when he used to talk. His memories will live on, not only with every person who worked with Tata group, but with 140 crore Indians," Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal told PTI.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das visited NCPA to pay his last respects to Ratan Tata.

Top leaders have been visiting NCPA lawns in Worli area of Mumbai to pay homage to industrialist Ratan Tata who breathed his last on Wednesday. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Mumbai Police Commissioner, Vivek Phalsankar are among those who paid homage in the last hour.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan remembered industrialist Ratan Tata's contributions to the development of the southern state and expressed grief over his death. In a post on X, Vijayan wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, an industrialist with a lasting legacy in Indian history. His unwavering support for Kerala's development will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and the Tata Group."

Tributes have been pouring in for Ratan Tata as his mortal remains are kept at NCPA lawns. Tata employees are let in to pay homage. Among those who paid homage include industrialist, philanthropist and the Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla , NCP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter and MP Supriya Sule.

Expressing grief over the demise of Ratan Tata, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy wrote on X, "I'm deeply saddened to hear about Shri Ratan Tata's demise. His legacy as a philanthropist and industrialist has profoundly impacted countless lives and communities. His vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to social causes will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this challenging time." 

Condolences have been pouring in over the demise of Ratan Tata. JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda said India lost a visionary business leader in the passing of Tata. "In his early years as Chairman, Tata Group, I had negotiated the creation of a new airport for Bangalore with him. I was CM then. Later too we were in touch. He was a very gentle person. RIP," the former PM said on 'X'.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata. In a post on X, the senior Congress leader wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ratan Tata, an iconic industrialist and visionary leader. His contributions to India's progress and philanthropy are immeasurable. His legacy of compassion, humility, and nation-building will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace."

Former Microsoft CEO and philanthropist Bill Gate mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, in a Facebook post, "Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity. Together, we partnered on numerous initiatives to help people lead healthier, more prosperous lives. His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and example he set will continue to inspire generations."

“We all are missing him today. He gave everything to India from watch to aircraft and helped the country grow with respect. We all should take inspiration from him that we can grow by being honest as well,” BJP MP Ravi Kishan told news agency PTI on the demise of Ratan Tata.

Lauding industrialist late Ratan Tata, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI, "There are fewer people who have a business empire and about whom people say that they are people of values... Ratan Tata is such a name that people respect him, his demise is saddening for everyone..."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral of Ratan Tata in Mumbai, sources told PTI. Expressing grief over the demise, Amit Shah in a post on X earlier said, "Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers."