‘Legends never die’: India mourns death of Ratan Tata; industrialist to get state funeral

The demise of noted industrialist, philanthropist and former chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Naval Tata, has cast a pall of gloom in the country which condolences pouring from several quarters.

Tata, the former Tata Group chairman who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate with a string of eye-catching deals breathed his last at south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital at 11.30 pm on Wednesday (October 9). He was 86.

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".

Also read: Industrialist, philanthropist Ratan Tata passes in Mumbai away at 86

Tata Group bids farewell

"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.

For the Tata Group, he was more than a chairperson. "To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," he said.

He added that Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society touched the lives of millions. "From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata's genuine humility in every individual interaction," he said, adding his legacy will continue to inspire.

Tata's mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. His last rites will be performed in Worli area of Mumbai later in the day.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said the industrialist will be accorded a state funeral.

One-day mourning in Maharashtra, Jharkhand

In tribute to the veteran industrialist, the Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday.

A statement quoting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast on October 10 as a sign of mourning.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also announced a one-day state mourning to condole Tata’s demise.

Tata Steel had developed the country’s first industrial city at Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, which was earlier a part of undivided Bihar.

Extraordinary human being: PM Modi

Paying tributes to Tata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him 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," Modi 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.

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"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.

President Droupadi Murmu said in Tata's death India has "lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building". 

"In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe," she posted on X. 

Fellow industrialists mourn death

Tata's death was also mourned by fellow industrialists.

"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 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."

‘Legends never die’

Billionaire Gautam Adani said India lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path.

"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."

Bidding adieu, Mahindra said: "Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die."

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."

Tata opened homes to community dogs: Peta

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.

Tata’s resoluteness during 26/11 will always be remembered: Shinde

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.

In a post on X, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde said Tata was a unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship. “He was a living legend who successfully helmed the 150 year-old Tata group,” the chief minister said.

Describing Tata as the pride of the country, Shinde said he will always be an inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The resoluteness he displayed during the 26/11 terror attack will always be remembered, the chief minister said.

The Tata Group’s Taj Hotel at Colaba was one of the targets of terrorists during the November 2008 attack.

CMs of eastern states pay tributes

Besides Jharkhand, the chief ministers of West Bengal and Odisha have also condoled the demise of the veteran industrialist and said his legacy will live on forever.

“Saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons. The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for Indian business world and society. My condolences to all his family members and colleagues,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

In 2008, the Tata Group decided to move the Nano factory out of Singur in Bengal’s Hooghly district over a land acquisition controversy.

Banerjee, whose TMC was in the opposition back then, had spearheaded a movement against the ruling Left Front, accusing it of forcibly acquiring land from farmers for the project.

In another post on X, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren said he was shocked to hear the news of Tata’s death.

“I can't believe it.... May the soul of Marang Buru Ratan Tata ji rest in peace,” he wrote.

Tata Steel had developed the country’s first industrial city at Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, which was earlier a part of undivided Bihar.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his condolence message, called Tata an industry legend and a true national icon.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Ratan Tata Ji... His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to ethics and immense contributions to India's growth will inspire generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy will live on forever,” Majhi said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called Tata a true titan of Indian industry and a beacon of humility and compassion.

“His visionary leadership not only shaped the Tata Group but also set a global benchmark for ethical business practices. His relentless dedication to nation-building, innovation, and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on millions of lives,” Stalin said.

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the nation will cherish the legacy of Tata forever, and called him a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the Indian industry.

Tributes pour in from Bollywood

Tributes also poured in from the film industry.

Actor Salman Khan said that he is deeply saddened by the passing away of Tata.

Fellow actor Rana Daggubati said Tata was an icon of leadership, philanthropy, and ethics, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh also condoled the death of Tata saying it is not possible to have a person like him again and he is deeply saddened by the demise.

TV host Simi Garewal said it is too hard to bear the loss and sent a farewell message to Tata.

(With inputs from agencies)