North News
Mumbai, October 10
Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, was cremated with full state honors at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai on Thursday evening. His final rites marked a notable shift in Parsi community traditions, where cremation is becoming more common compared to the traditional practice of consignment to the Tower of Silence, or Doongerwadi, on Malabar Hill.
Earlier in the day, Tata was given a ceremonial guard of honor by the Mumbai Police before his mortal remains were brought to the crematorium. Prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, were present to pay their respects.
At the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, where Tata’s body was kept for public tribute earlier in the day, thousands of people gathered to bid farewell to the industrial icon. Tata’s close aide, Shantanu Naidu, escorted his remains to NCPA for public viewing at 10:30 AM. Among those who paid homage were NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, KM Birla, and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that Tata be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. The proposal will be submitted to the Central government for approval.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who laid a wreath on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Ratan Tata Ji will always be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and integrity. As an industrialist respected worldwide, he steered the Tata Group to global prominence. His commitment to India and his philanthropic work stand as a pole star in the country’s industrial landscape.”
Born on December 28, 1937, to a distinguished Parsi family, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He joined the family business in 1962 after earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University and became chairman in 1991. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally, with revenues surging from $5.8 billion in 1991 to over $100 billion by 2012. Some of his most notable achievements included the launch of the Tata Indica, India’s first hatchback with a diesel engine, and the Tata Nano, aimed at providing affordable mobility to the Indian middle class.
Tata’s contributions went beyond business. He was deeply involved in philanthropy through the Tata Trusts, which focus on education, healthcare, and rural development. His leadership was pivotal in international acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, establishing Tata as a major player in the global market.
Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after a brief illness. He was 86. Tata was in good health until a sudden decline last Friday, and although his condition improved slightly, it deteriorated on Sunday. He was admitted to the hospital shortly afterward. Tata, who never married, is survived by his brother Jimmy Tata and half-brother Noel Tata, who chairs Trent, as well as two half-sisters from his mother’s side.
The legacy Ratan Tata leaves behind is one of business excellence, social responsibility, and humility. Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran paid tribute, stating, “Mr. Tata’s commitment to philanthropy and societal development has profoundly impacted the lives of millions. His legacy will guide future generations in the industrial sector and beyond.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Tata an “extraordinary human being” and a “visionary leader” who provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. In his post on X, he emphasized Tata’s contributions beyond the corporate realm, particularly his dedication to social welfare. President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, noting Tata’s legacy of harmonizing corporate growth with nation-building, ethics, and philanthropy. She highlighted Tata’s recognition with prestigious honors, including the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.
