LIVE Ratan Tata passes away | India Inc pays rich tributes
The industrialist, 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.
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.
A top official of the Mumbai police was the first to inform of his death, followed by a confirmation by Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran who called Tata "a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation".
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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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday condoled the passing away of industry stalwart Ratan Tata as the "end of an era".
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.
"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 Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Tata left an "indelible mark" on India's corporate landscape.
"End of an era! Deeply saddened to know that Shri Ratan Tata ji is no more with us. A visionary businessman and philanthropist who left an indelible mark on India's corporate landscape, his legacy of ethics, empathy & compassion will forever inspire," he wrote on X.
"My heartfelt condolences to the entire Tata group family and all those whose lives he touched with his generosity and kindness. Om Shanti," the Union minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday paid respects to industrialist Ratan Tata in Mumbai.
Shah arrived at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Earlier, sources had said that Shah would pay homage to the mortal remains of Tata on behalf of the Government of India.
The home minister will visit Mumbai for Tata’s funeral as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was leaving for Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits, they had said.
Industry leaders mourned Ratan Tata's death, saying that with his demise, India has lost a visionary who shaped its industrial and philanthropic landscape.
Tata was a truly remarkable business leader who placed the country before business interests, and whose vision was truly transformational for a country and its people, TVS Motor Co Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan said in a statement.
"Mr Tata was a truly remarkable business leader, the likes of whom nations get only once in a century," he added.
Similarly, State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty said Tata shaped the country's industrial and philanthropic landscape. "His leadership at Tata Sons redefined corporate responsibility and innovation, positioning the Tata Group as a global force while remaining rooted in ethics," Setty said.
Another industry leader, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said India and the country's industry have lost a true visionary with the passing away of Tata.
In his condolence message, Birla said Tata's decisions have impacted lives and industries far beyond financial metrics. In a similar vein, Bharti Enterprises Founder & Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said Tata leaves behind "an astronomical imprint on the Indian industry, philanthropy, and the perennial zest to better the world we live in".
"A true nation builder, his legacy in the growth of the country will forever inspire entrepreneurs and all Indians alike," Mittal said.
Condoling Tata's death, Mahindra Group Managing Director and CEO Anish Shah said he inspired a generation to create with purpose and integrity. "As we move forward, we will honour his legacy by continuing to build not just enterprises but a better world... just as he did," Shah wrote in a post on X.
Shah, who is also the President of Ficci said,"His vision of ethical capitalism and his efforts to use business as a force for societal good have inspired generations of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders." Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal said,"In the passing of Ratan Tata, we have not only lost the jewel in the crown of Indian industry but also a man whose vision and outstanding personal qualities made him an icon for every Indian." Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal termed Tata as a visionary leader and ethical statesman.
"Tata's commitment to integrity and innovation not only transformed industries but also uplifted communities, inspiring countless lives," Munjal said.
RPSG Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said in Tata's death "the world has lost a true visionary and humanitarian" .
"Mr Ratan Tata's unparalleled contributions to business and society will forever remain his legacy," Goenka said, adding that the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons "touched the lives of every Indian in his own soft, unassuming way, leaving an indelible mark that may never be equaled". Industry chamber CII Director General, Chandrajit Banerjee termed Tata as "the perfect example of a leader, nation builder, philanthropist, a global entrepreneur and much more." Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shailesh Chandra said Tata, a towering figure, played a stellar role in bringing the Indian auto industry to the global stage.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Managing Director & CEO Masakazu Yoshimura said as a global corporate luminary, Tata will forever be remembered for his transformative contribution towards modernisation of the Indian business landscape and deep compassion towards the betterment of the society.
Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) President Shradha Suri Marwah said Tata made immense contributions to the automotive industry, besides many other sectors and have left an indelible mark on the growth and global stature of Indian industry.
"His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in India and beyond," she added.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd Managing Director Unsoo Kim said the visionary leadership and contributions of Tata to the Indian industry have left a lasting legacy.
Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in remembrance of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata for whom aviation was especially close to his heart.
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 demise also 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.
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson told the staff that Air Indians especially acknowledge and are grateful for Tata's immense contribution to Indian aviation and to the Tata airlines.
Ratan Tata's legacy lives on: Air India CEO
In his message to 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.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan told staff that Tata has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us in the Tata Group and across the nation. "The aviation vertical was especially close to his heart".
Meanwhile, as a mark of respect for late Ratan Tata, Air India Express switched over to a theme featuring white lillies in a dark background on its website and social media handles.
IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air pay tributes
Not just the Tata Group airlines, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air also paid tributes to Ratan Tata.
Aircraft maker Boeing's India and South Asia President Salil Gupte said his remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark not only on the aerospace and defence sectors but also on various industries and society at large.
"Mr. Tata exemplified integrity, innovation, and compassion, guiding the Tata Group to unprecedented heights while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility. His influence will continue to inspire future generations, serving as a guiding light for all of us in the industry," Gupte said in a statement.
Jaguar Land Rover on Thursday (October 10) paid tribute to Ratan Tata, saying his inspirational leadership helped the British marquee brand achieve phenomenal success across the globe.
The Mumbai-based salt to software conglomerate had acquired Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in 2008.
"The entire JLR family is profoundly saddened by the death of Ratan Tata. His personal achievements and legacy are unequalled in society, and the mark he leaves on our business and brands is greater than that of any other individual," JLR CEO Adrian Mardell said in a statement.
He noted that the former Tata Group chairman has inspired new chapters in the British automaker's history.
"It was thanks to his singular vision that Tata acquired JLR in 2008, and we owe everything we have become since then to his unwavering support and dedication," Mardell stated.
“Tata led the automaker on an extraordinary journey. Under his generous and trusting guidance, JLR felt deeply proud to be part of the Tata story,” Mardell said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be leaving for Mumbai on Thursday afternoon (October 10) to pay tributes to business tycoon Ratan Tata, who died due to prolonged illness.
According to official sources, Naidu will depart to Mumbai by a special aircraft and will return to Amaravati the same evening.
Condoling the demise of Ratan Tata, Chandrababu Naidu called him a business titan and a true humanitarian.
“Today, we have lost not just a business titan, but a true humanitarian whose legacy goes beyond industrial landscape to live in every heart he touched,” Naidu said in a post on X late on Wednesday night (October 9).
Telugu film personalities, including Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Junior NTR and others on Thursday (October 10) mourned the demise of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, hailing his philanthropy and contributions to the country's industrial progress.
“Ratan Tata's demise is a sad day for all Indians. For generations together, there is not a single Indian whose life has not been touched by his services one way or the other,” Chiranjeevi said.
"One of the greatest visionaries our country has ever seen, a truly legendary industrialist, a philanthropist extraordinaire and a human being par excellence, Shri Ratan Tata’s contributions not only built the Illustrious TATA brand into a global powerhouse but also stupendously contributed to our Nation building," he said on X.
Describing Ratan Tata as a giant of industry and a beacon of humanity, actor Mahesh Babu said the departed industrialist’s generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment for the greater good has left an indelible mark on the world.
In his message, Junior NTR said Ratan Tata's selfless philanthropy and visionary leadership have transformed countless lives. "India owes him a debt of gratitude."
Actor Ram Charan termed Ratan Tata's demise as a huge loss to the nation.
"An iconic legend and guiding light, he touched the lives of many, from the common man to business pioneers. A deeply loved philanthropist, Ratan Tata Sir’s legacy will live on in the hearts of millions," he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (October 10) paid glowing tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata and said he brought reforms to the working ethos of the Tata Group while following all rules and regulations.
Addressing the annual session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in new Delhi, Shah said under Tata's stewardship, the Tata Trusts have been contributing immensely in diverse areas such as education, health, social welfare, and cancer care.
"Tata's legacy will remain as an inspiration for all business leaders in the years to come. He will continue to be a role model for all business leaders," he said.
The home minister, who will take part in the last rites of Ratan Tata in Mumbai and pay respects on behalf of the Government of India, said the iconic industrialist took over as the head of the major Indian business group at a time when the Tata companies required changes.
He said after a detailed study and with lots of patience, Ratan Tata brought changes in all of the Tata companies.
"As chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata brought reforms to its working ethos and helped it grow into a formidable industrial group while following all rules and regulations," he said.
Earlier, in a message, Shah said he was deeply saddened by the demise of the "legendary industrialist and true nationalist".
He said Tata selflessly dedicated his life to the development of the nation.
"Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me," he added.
The home minister said Tata's commitment to the welfare of the 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. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," he said.
Thousands of people from different walks of life, including politicians and corporate leaders, gathered at the NCPA in Mumbai on Thursday (October 10) to pay homage to the legendary Ratan Tata, whose identity transcended beyond being the top industry icon.
The body of Ratan Tata, who died in a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night (October 9), was brought from his Colaba home in a hearse decked with white flowers to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai.
The mortal remains were kept at the NCPA in a casket with a tricolour covering it.
Among the early ones who arrived to pay respect were Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar, his daughter MP Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, finance industry stalwart Deepak Parekh, and Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das.
Leader of opposition in the Maharashtra assembly Vijay Wadettiwar and assembly speaker and local MLA Rahul Narwekar were among those who reached the NCPA.
The employees and top executives of the Tata group were also present to pay respect.
CM Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's education minister Deepak Kesarkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani were among those who rushed to the hospital after hearing about Tata's death.
The Maharashtra government in a cabinet meeting on Thursday (October 10) decided to propose the name of Ratan Tata for the Bharat Ratna award.
Ratan Tata, the emeritus chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday (October 9).
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award given by the Government of India.