LIVE | India bids adieu to Ratan Tata; industry titan given ceremonial guard of honour
Tata, who headed salt-to-software Tata Group for over 2 decades, breathed his last in Mumbai on Oct 9
The nation went into mourning at midnight as Ratan Naval Tata, former Tata Sons chairman who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate with a string of eye-catching deals, died on October 9. He was 86.
Tata, who was chairman of the salt to software Tata Group for more than two decades, breathed his last at south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm on Wednesday.
Ratan Tata's final rites were performed with full state honours at a central Mumbai crematorium on Thursday (October 10) evening. The Mumbai police paid tribute to Tata with a gun salute. The industry titan's family members, including the half-brother Noel Tata, and top executives from the Tata Group like chairman N Chandrasekaran, were present at the crematorium in Worli.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Congress leader and former CM Sushilkumar Shinde, among others, were also present.
One of the priests present at the crematorium said the last rites were performed according to Parsi tradition.
Also read | Ratan Tata obit: Industry trailblazer, corporate adventurer, boardroom patriarch
A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Tata, had been in intensive care at the hospital since Monday.
Early days
Educated at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, the veteran industrialist worked on the shop floor at the family-run group after returning to India in 1962.
He gained experience in several Tata Group firms before being named director in charge of one of them, the National Radio and Electronics Co. in 1971.
He became chairman of Tata Industries a decade later and in 1991 took over as the chairman of the Tata Group from his uncle, JRD, who had been in charge for more than half a century.
Growth of the group
Under his stewardship, the conglomerate embarked on a massive expansion drive, snapping iconic British assets including steelmaker Corus and luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover.
Its two-and-half-dozen listed firms now make coffee and cars, salt and software, steel and power, run airlines and introduced India's first super app.
It recently forayed into chip making and is planning an iPhone assembly plant. The conglomerate ended with USD 165 billion in revenue in the last fiscal.
"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," Chandrasekaran said in a late-night statement.
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Live Updates
- 10 Oct 2024 6:28 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death | End of an era: Punjab CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday condoled the demise of Ratan Tata, saying his commitment and simplicity will always inspire the younger generations to carve out a niche for themselves.
In his condolence message, Mann recalled the outstanding contribution of Tata in heralding a new era of industrial development in the country.
Mann said the death of Ratan Tata marks the end of an era.
The entire country is in shock over the demise of the noted businessman, who played a key role in shaping the industrial development in modern India, Mann said.
Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also condoled the death of Tata.
- 10 Oct 2024 6:21 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death | Assam lost its biggest well-wisher: Himanta
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state lost one of its biggest well-wishers in the death of industrialist Ratan Tata.
Tata, a recipient of Assam's highest civilian award 'Asom Baibhav', occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of the state, he said.
"Shri Ratan Tata Ji’s legacy is one of compassion, statesmanship and unshakeable conviction in the India growth story. His life is defined by building enterprise and giving back to society," Sarma posted on X.
"He took a giant leap of faith for the welfare of Assam. He was deeply passionate about improving healthcare in the state and with his vision we gave birth to the Assam Cancer Care Foundation," he said.
Tata also played an instrumental role in setting up the semiconductor facility in Jagiroad and creating employment opportunities for the state's youth, the CM said.
"For me it's a personal loss. My every interaction with him left me wiser, the most recent being when I visited him in Mumbai to thank him for the Semiconductor project and having faith in Assam's abilities as an industrial base," he said.
"His simplicity and humility is something I will never forget. His death leaves a huge void which cannot be filled. My thoughts and prayers are with the members of the Tata family and the nation which mourns the loss of an inspirational leader. Om Shanti!" Sarma said.
- 10 Oct 2024 6:09 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death | His kindness, humility, passion will be remembered forever: Delhi CM Atishi
Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday paid rich tributes to Ratan Tata, saying his legacy will inspire generations to come and his humility and passion for work will be remembered forever.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said India has lost its true "Ratan" (gem) who turned impossible into possible.
Ratan Tata's legacy will remain a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, Kejriwal said in a X post.
In a social media post, LG Saxena wrote, "#RatanTata! You not only carried forward the colossal legacies you inherited, but enriched and enhanced them. My heartfelt tributes and condolences on your passing away. India will forever remember you."
Atishi in a post on X said Ratan Tata exemplified ethical leadership always placing welfare of the country and its people above all else.
".....His kindness, humility, and passion for making a difference will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come," the Delhi chief minister said.
- 10 Oct 2024 6:08 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death: 'Industrialist with a lasting legacy', says Kerala CM
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. pic.twitter.com/7lbsDnVq86
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) October 10, 2024 - 10 Oct 2024 5:59 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death: Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce offers condolences
The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has condoled the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata.
Ratan Naval Tata, the former Tata Group chairman, breathed his last at south Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm on Wednesday. He was 86.
"We have numerous memories with the doyen of industry, and his contribution to the country's development was commendable," SCCI president Vijay Anand Moonka said.
"He played a major role in the development of the steel city of Jamshedpur, where Tata Steel came up over a century ago," he said, adding that Tata's guidance helped the industries in the region to perform well.
- 10 Oct 2024 5:41 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death: Indian Americans mourn death of veteran industrialist
Indian Americans have mourned the death of Ratan Naval Tata, remembering him as someone who drove India to greater prosperity and development.
“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 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,” wrote Google and Alphabet CEO Sunder Pichai on X on Wednesday.
'Unique and noble'
Atul Keshap, the president of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), told PTI the Padma Vibhushan recipient was a "unique and noble son of India, a role model for the nobility and generosity".
“While some erroneously look down their noses at mere business, Ratan Tata reminded a global audience of the nobility of commerce even as he drove his companies and India to greater prosperity and development. He espoused values of humanity and compassion not only for his colleagues and business partners but also for the greater good,” Keshap said.
'Extraordinary contribtion'
“It is with profound sadness that the Indiaspora community acknowledges the passing of Ratan Tata, a visionary leader, compassionate philanthropist, and one of India’s most respected business icons,” said M R Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora.
“His extraordinary contribution to industry and his deep commitment to social causes have left an indelible mark not only on India but the world at large. Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire generations. His spirit and contributions will forever remain a guiding light,” he told PTI.
'Iconic brand name'
Mukesh Aghi, the President and CEO of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), said that Tata is an iconic brand name today because it was led by an iconic visionary like Ratan Tata.
"He lived a life full of courage, and conviction and adopted a convivial joie-de-vivre outlook. Ratan Tata was a pillar of integrity even when there was once a time when people were reading negative articles about the culture of business and politics in India," Aghi said.
Cornell remembers Tata
Ratan Tata, a Cornell graduate, was a former Cornell trustee who became the university’s largest international donor, the university said on Wednesday.
“Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” said interim President Michael I Kotlikoff.
“Ratan’s quiet demeanour and humility belied his international profile. His generosity and concern for others enabled research and scholarship that improved the education and health of millions of people in India and beyond, and extended Cornell’s global impact,” he said.
“When Ratan Tata graduated from Cornell with a degree in architecture, it would have been impossible to imagine the global impact his visionary leadership, philanthropy and commitment to humanity would go on to have in advancing education and research across many sectors,” said J. Meejin Yoon, the Dean of Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning.
Ratan Tata served three terms as a Cornell trustee from 2006 to 2022. He was named Cornell’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 and served from 2014 on as a member of AAP’s Advisory Council.
Ira Drukier, an American philanthropist, said: “Looking back over Ratan's life and career, I am not only filled with gratitude for all he has given and accomplished but also with a deep respect for his kindness, generosity and eternal optimism that has improved lives in India and around the world.” “Ratan Tata, one of India’s most powerful and admired magnates, who transformed his family’s business conglomerate, the Tata Group, into a multinational corporation with globally recognisable brands, has died at 86,” The New York Times wrote.
- 10 Oct 2024 5:38 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death: Adani, Ambani, other industrialists mourn leader
Ratan Tata's death was also mourned by fellow industrialists.
Ambani's message
"It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian," Mukesh Ambani said in his condolence message.
"At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend." Recalling his numerous interactions with Tata that left him "inspired and energised", Ambani said Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society's greater good.
Interactions with him, "enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied", he said in a statement.
"With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata Group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991," he added. "Ratan, you will always remain in my heart." Billionaire Gautam Adani said India lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path.
Adani's message
"Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti," Adani said in a post on X.
Anand Mahindra of automaker Mahindra and Mahindra said India's economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward and Tata'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," he said.
"With him gone, all we can do is commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community."
Mahindra's message
Bidding adieu, Mahindra said: "Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die."
Pichai's message
Recalling his last meeting with Tata where they talked about the progress of Waymo, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said: "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."
Minister Gadkari's message
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed shock at the passing away of Tata, whom he termed a "great son of the soil".
"I had close family ties with Ratan Tata for three decades," Gadkari posted on X.
Goenka's message
RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka, in a post on X, wrote, "The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P." People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India in a statement said Tata's love for animals and compassion, which was as famous as his business prowess, will always be remembered.
"His influence on the community, inspiring many to care for community dogs, and to open their hearts and homes to them, is a testament to his enduring legacy. The Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, a result of his compassion, is already helping countless animals in need, and is sure to become an ally for PETA India’s emergency response work," said the statement.
- 10 Oct 2024 5:36 AM GMT
Ratan Tata death: Modi calls Tata a visionary business leader, shares old pic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Ratan Tata 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 unwavering commitment to making our society better," he said in a post on X.
Posting his pictures with Tata during various times of his political career, Modi said one of the most unique aspects of Tata was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back.
"He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few." "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 added.
