Ratan Tata's Last Rites With State Honours, Thousands Pay Tribute
India's most powerful politicians were joined by its most influential celebrities - actors and sportspersons - and all of the Tata Group's business rivals, including the Ambanis, the Adanis, and the Birlas, paid their respects.
Arpit Pattnaik
The final rites of Ratan Naval Tata, the industrialist known for his philanthropy, were conducted with full State honors at a Mumbai crematorium this afternoon.
Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, were among the high-profile dignitaries who paid their final respects to Mr. Tata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to attend as he was en route to Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits. Last night, Mr. Modi praised Mr. Tata as an extraordinary human being.
Earlier today, Ratan Tata's body was laid in state, wrapped in the national flag, at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Nariman Point, before being transported to the crematorium in Worli, a distance of 12 km. Thousands of people lined the streets to bid farewell to the Mumbai-born industrialist, who transformed the Tata brand into a global powerhouse.
In addition to politicians, influential celebrities, actors, sportspersons, and the country's richest individuals, including the Ambanis and the Adanis, also paid their respects. Maharashtra has announced a day of mourning as a mark of respect for the admired business leader and philanthropist.
Ratan Tata's contributions to the industrial and development sectors, the economy, and the lives of thousands of people are immeasurable. Notable among his achievements is the purchase of luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover, which signaled India's emergence on the global automotive stage, as well as his commitment to animal welfare, exemplified by the ₹165 crore hospital for dogs in Mumbai.
His passing undoubtedly marks the end of an era. Despite his immense wealth, Mr. Tata was known for his simplicity and philanthropy, having donated a significant portion of his income, estimated at 60 to 65 percent by some sources.
The End
Ratan Tata passed away at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital last night at the age of 86.
He was admitted on Monday, but, true to his nature, he played down any fuss and stated that he was simply undergoing routine age-related medical check-ups.. "There is no cause for concern. Thank you for thinking of me..."
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.
