Ratan Tata Death: Last Rites Performed With Full State Honours For Emeritus Tata

Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of the Tata Group and veteran industrialist, passed away aged 86 on Wednesday, October 9.

His passing has sent the entire nation into mourning, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declaring a day of mourning in the state.

Confirming the passing of its chairman emeritus, the Tata Group issued a statement saying, "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 statement from Tata Sons' Chairman N Chandrasekaran read.

"For the Tata Group, Mr Tata 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," it added.

Full Statement:

Prior to his death, the visionary leader had reportedly been under intensive care at a Mumbai hospital. He in fact had addressed his health concerns on social media, dismissing them as 'rumours'. He assured his followers that there was no cause for alarm and explained that he was undergoing routine check-ups for age-related medical conditions.

But unfortunately, on October 9, the national icon passed away.

Ratan Tata assumed the role of Chairman of Tata Sons in March 1991 and retired on December 28, 2012. Under his leadership, the Tata Group saw substantial growth, with revenues soaring from ₹10,000 crore in 1991 to an impressive USD 100.09 billion in 2011-12.

Read About Ratan Tata Here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of Ratan Tata, saying he was "extremely pained by his passing away". He described Tata as 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 an unwavering commitment to making our society better," PM Modi wrote in a post thread on his X handle.

Entire X thread here:

Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata, the Chief Minister's office said.

The national icon and visionary leader passed away at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.

Ratan Tata built an identity for himself in the Indian consciousness that went above and beyond his famous surname. It is an identity that resonates with innovation, philanthropy, and visionary leadership.

This photo story captures the moments that defined him and offers a glimpse into the life of a man who led one of India's biggest business houses through the defining era of Indian globalisation.

When J.R.D. Tata stepped down as Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata group, Ratan Tata was his chosen successor.

Full Photo Story On Ratan Tata Here.

President Droupadi Murmu mourned the passing of Emeritus Tata and said, "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 have 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 wrote in her X post.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed condolences over Ratan Tata's death. He wrote, "So much has been said about the life and legacy of Ratan Tata, who sadly passed away last night at 86, that is impossible to distil into a tweet. He was a titan of business and a giant of a human being, an exemplary leader who displayed great vision and compassion towards his staff and his clients."

"It is rare for a businessman to make and leave the kind of impact Ratan Tata has. A towering figure has left us, and with him an era fades. Om Shanti. RIP," Tharoor added.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed grief over the loss of "the precious gem of the country".

Writing an honourary post for Ratan Tata, Shinde said, "I pay my heartfelt tribute to him".

"Everyone will always remember the determination shown by him after the 2008 Mumbai attack. His firm decisions, courageous attitude and social commitment will always be remembered," the CM said, adding that, "The last rites of late Ratanji Tata will be performed with full state honours."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar mourned the passing of Ratan Tata, terming it as the "end of an era".

"He was deeply associated with the modernisation of Indian industry. And even more so with its globalisation. 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," Jaishankar wrote in his post on X.

Preparations are underway at NCPA at Mumbai's Nariman Point as the mortal remains of Ratan Tata will be brought here for the public to pay their last respects, following which his last rites with full state honours will take place.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai reminisced his last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, saying that they talked about the progress of Waymo. "His vision was inspiring to hear," 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," Sundar Pichai's X post read.

"India has 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," industrialist Gautam Adani wrote in his X post.

"I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata," wrote Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra.

"India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’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," Anand wrote in his X post.

"With him gone, all we can do is to 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," he added.

"Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die," the X post read.

In October 2008, on the eve of the Durga Puja festivities, industrialist Ratan Tata – who died on Wednesday at the age of 87 – delivered a piece of shocking news to West Bengal: frustrated with the never-ending strife, he was pulling out of the near-complete Nano car plant project in Singur, about 30km north of Kolkata.

In a rather uncharacteristic outburst, he squarely blamed Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee-led anti-displacement agitation for his decision to withdraw from the project. Banerjee was so long holding a gun to his head and had finally pulled the trigger, he alleged.

“I think some time back I mentioned that if somebody puts a gun to my head, the person will either have to pull the trigger or take the gun away because I will not move my head. I think Ms Banerjee has pulled the trigger,” Tata said.

Read full story here.

Ahead of the mortal remains of Ratan Tata being brought to NCPA at Nariman Point, the Mumbai Police has cordoned off the road leading to the venue, closing the Marine Drive road beyond the Oberoi Hotel.

With just a fortnight to go for his retirement on December 28, Ratan Tata is getting ready for a new life. His multi-storey, sea-facing house opposite Mumbai’s Colaba Post Office is being reconstructed even as Mukesh Ambani has vacated the neighbourhood recently for a gleaming residential skyscraper. Tata, who plans to continue flying and return to formally learning music, will be surrounded by many objects of the 144-year-old, $100-billion Tata Group he’s led for the past 21 years. He can, of course, anytime walk down to the two Taj Hotels. But he’s unlikely to pop in at the New Persian Restaurant on Wodehouse Road where M.F. Husain had his morning cup of Tata Tetley.

Read Full Story Here.

Days before his passing, on October 7, Ratan Tata had addressed concerns over his health, terming them to 'rumours'.

He assured everyone that these claims were unfounded. "I am currently undergoing medical check-ups due to my age and related medical conditions," he wrote in a statement.

"There is no cause for concern. I remain in good spirits and request that the public and media respect refrain from spreading misinformation," Tata Group's Chairman Emeritus had said in his statement.

Posting the statement to his social media handle, Ratan Tata had said, "Thank you for thinking of me."

Cornell University has paid a glowing tribute to its alumnus and former trustee Ratan Tata.

Describing him as "India's most influential and respected business leaders and philanthropists", Cornell University noted Ratan Tata's great contributions to the institution and the world.

The university's Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff said, "Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply."

"Ratan’s quiet demeanor 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 added.

Read full text here.

Veteran cricketer Sachin Tendulkar paid his last respects to Ratan Tata at the industrialist's Colaba residence in Mumbai.

The youngest Tata employee to have gained the friendship and trust of Ratan Tata, Shantanu Naidu, paid a heartfelt tribute to his mentor.

Naidu, who was also Ratan Tata's assistant, wrote on social media, "The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian-born Irish businessman Noel Tata -- brother of Ratan Tata -- and expressed condolences over the national icon's death.

On behalf of the Indian government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the last rites of Tata Group's Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata in Mumbai today.

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri expressed condolences on the passing of Ratan Tata. "An institution who embodied excellence, vision and humility. A philanthropist par excellence. A massive loss to society. Condolences to the entire Tata family. God bless his soul," Shastri wrote on X.

Ratan Tata's mortal remains are being taken to the NCPA Lawns in Nariman point for the public to pay their last respects, following which a state funeral would be accorded in the evening.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu mourned the passing of Ratan Tata and said that the nation has not just lost a business titan but also a "true humanitarian whose legacy goes beyond industrial landscape to live in every heart he touched".

"As I mourn his passing today, I also reflect on his remarkable contributions to industry, philanthropy, and nation-building that will forever inspire generations. A life well-lived. An iconic legacy to cherish," Naidu wrote in his X post.

"Rest in peace, my friend. You'll be missed," he said, extending deepest condolences to Ratan Tata's loved ones and the Tata Group.

Kamal Haasan expressed grief over Ratan Tata's passing and said that he was his "personal hero". "A national treasure whose contributions in nation-building shall forever be etched in the story of modern India."

"His true richness lay not in material wealth but in his ethics, integrity, humility and patriotism. In the immediate aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, I met him while staying at the iconic Taj Hotel. In that moment of national crisis, the titan stood tall and became the embodiment of the Indian spirit, to rebuild and emerge stronger as a nation," Haasan wrote.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra wrote, "Through your kindness, you touched the lives of millions."

"Your legacy of leadership and generosity will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for your unmatched passion and dedication for everything you did for our country. You have been an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed, Sir," she wrote on X.

Ajay Devgn posted on X, "The world mourns the loss of a visionary. Ratan Tata's legacy will forever inspire generations. His contributions to India and beyond are immeasurable. We are deeply grateful. Rest in peace, Sir."

Ratan Tata's mortal remains, draped in the national flag, have been kept at the NCPA lawns for the public to pay last respects.

The last rites will be held at Worli crematorium with full state honours after 4 pm.

Author-philanthropist and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty termed Ratan Tata's demise as her "personal loss", saying that she feels vacuumed in her personal life.

"... In my life, I met him (Ratan Tata), a man of integrity, and simplicity, always caring for others and compassionate... I really miss him... I don't think in my experience I met anyone like him," she told news agency ANI.

"May I only pray, may his soul rest in peace. he was a legend, there was an era, but this is the end of an era for me... He was a person of integrity, integrity was so important. He was like that. He had enormous patience. He was a simple man... I learn philanthropy in the House of Tatas only. It's my personal loss... I feel now vacuumed in my personal life," she added.

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.

"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!" the CM said.

"There won't be another Ratan Tata...Every Indian is impacted today...," says Suhel Seth, the close aide of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, as he tears up while giving an emotional tribute to him.

"I would remember him as a human being of great decency & dignity and utmost compassion. Great inspiration, a great moral compass. Someone who lives his life with such courage, fortitude and love for the country. I don't think there won't be another Ratan Tata...He was a different kind of a man...There are innumerable anecdotes, it is not about what Ratan Tata achieved in business, but the man was something else whether it was his staff or business...What he will leave in India is a great character, humanism and a legacy that people will love to follow...He defined every Indian..."

"India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart. When I was nominated to serve as ambassador, the first congratulations from India came from Ratan Tata, who gave so much in service to my hometown, serving on the board of the University of Southern California. He saw a future of greater prosperity and equality for his country and did so much for our world. May his memory be a blessing," said US Ambasaador to India Eric Garcetti.

Politicians and industrialists, including NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Aditya Birla group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, arrived at the NCPA lawns in Mumbai to pay tributes to Ratan Tata.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal gets emotional and breaks down as he remembers Ratan Tata.

"I recall when he came home once in Mumbai for breakfast, we had only served a simple Idli, Sambhar, Dosa... but he was so appreciative. I mean, he must be having the world's best cooks. But he was so appreciative of that simple breakfast. He was so kind to all of us in the family," Goyal told news agency ANI.

"He was so kind to the server who was serving the breakfast and at the end of a very beautiful couple of hours that he had spent at home when he was leaving, he asked my wife very sweetly - would you like to take a picture with me? We really wanted to do, but were shy to ask. He offered it and it is these small thoughtful gestures which make the man the Ratan Tata - 140 crores Indian love and the world loves," he added.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, along with NCP's working president Praful Patel, paid tributes to Ratan Tata at NCPA Lawns.

RBI governor Shaktikanta Das paid tributes to Ratan Tata at the NCPA lawns. Speaking to reporters outside, Das said, "There are two things that stand out about Shri Ratan Tata. First, he was a true visionary. Second, he was a strong believer in ethics in corporate governance. I think whenever the economic history of modern India is written, I would feel that a full volume will not be enough to describe his achievements...A great son of India and a phenomenal person. May his soul rest in peace."

ISRO chief R Somanath condoled the passing of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata and said, "The name Tata is Something very synonymous with the industrial growth of India. Almost in all sectors, they have played a great role... That tradition of an ethical way of doing business has been one of the very characteristics of Tatas. Ratan Tata symbolizes the same nature of the leadership that they have been giving to Tata's institutions."

"I also studied in a Tata institution, called Tata Institute long back created out of funding from Tata. That shows that they gave importance not only to creating institutions but also to creating a culture of involvement of staff and people, creating education and philanthropy play a very important role in their business ecosystem and do it in a manner which is more democratic and involves everyone," Somanath.

The ISRO chief further said, "Ratan Tata by his personality has been one of the leading industrial figures having huge respect and admiration from everyone. I think this loss is definitely something we should all be very sad about."

The Maharashtra cabinet has passed a resolution to urge the Centre to confer 'Bharat Ratna', the country's highest civilian award, on late Ratan Tata.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condoled the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata and said that his passing has left a "void not only in India but in the industry across the world".

In a statement, Yadav said Tata's death is not just an irreparable loss to the industry but to all Indians.

"The country has lost a great industrialist and a very sensitive soul as well, always dedicated to serve the nation and humanity. His demise has caused a void not only in India but in industry across the world."

The CM said he prays to Baba Mahakal (diety at the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain) that may the departed soul rest in peace and give strength to the bereaved family to cope with the immense loss.

Union Minister Hardeep Puri condoled the passing of Tata Group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata and said, "...He not just grew a business empire but his contribution to the development of India and work for humanitarian causes and philanthropy...He was very much a part of India's liberalisation...He is somebody who will be missed. I have had the chance to meet several times."

"We spoke to them when they bid to acquire Air India...Ratan ji will not just continue to be regarded as a major contributor who fashioned the fabric of modern indian economy and development, he will continue to live on as a legend. Every time I learnt something when I met him," Puri added.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh wrote to Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran to condole the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ratan Tata ji, a stalwart of Indian industry. He was much more than a business icon, his vision and humanity demonstrated in the work of several charities founded and nurtured during his life."

"He was having the courage of speaking the truth to the men in power. I have fond memories of working very closely with him on several occasions. I take this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences on this sad occasion. May his soul Rest in Peace," Singh wrote.

Reliance Retail Ventures Limited Executive Director Isha Ambani along with husband Anand Piramal -- Executive Director of the Piramal Group -- paid their last respects to national icon and industrialist Ratan Tata.

Actor Anupam Kher told news agency ANI, "I used to feel Ratan Tata would be there with us throughout our lives because when it comes to some people, you might not meet them every day but you can see their experience within the country's infrastructure, charity institutions...today India has lost a gem...I met him in London a few years back, I spoke to him for 5-10 minutes."

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, along with Aaditya Thackeray, Anil Desai and Arvind Sawant paid last respects to Ratan Tata, whose mortal remains have been kept at Nariman Point's NCPA lawns for the public.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia condoled the demise of Ratan Tata and said, "Today is a sad day for the whole country, the true son of India Ratan Tata is not with us...his life is an inspiration to every youth and Indian. His firm willpower, his capacity to take risks...he used to invest in things others were scared to invest in."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking to news agency ANI, while being in Laos for the ASEAN summit, reminisced the time he met Ratan Tata.

"I first met him when I was a kind of middle level in the government. At that time, we started the CEO forum with the United States. He was a natural choice as a person who was to lead it. So those years we used to work together quite closely, travel together to the US...He was really a remarkable person," Jaishankar said.

"I think if you look at the outpouring today of feeling, of affection, of respect, I can't remember anybody, in the world of industry who's evoked this kind of emotion among people across a very wide cross section. I mean, it is truly seen as a national loss. He was a man ahead of his time. He took the Tata group abroad in a way," the EAM added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid last tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata at the NCPA lawns in Nariman Point in Mumbai.

Shah will also attend Ratan Tata's last rites later in the evening.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis pay their last respects to Tata Group's Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata in Mumbai's NCPA lawns.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani, pay their last tributes to Ratan Tata in Mumbai.

Superstar Rajinikanth condoled the demise of industrialist Ratan Tata, describing him as a "great legendary icon who put India on the global map with his vision and passion".

"The man who inspired thousands of industrialists. The man who created lakhs and lakhs of jobs for many generations. The man who was loved and respected by all," the actor wrote in his X post.

"My deepest salutations to him," he said, adding that he will forever cherish every moment spent with the "great soul".

"A true son of India is no more... Rest in peace," Rajinikanth wrote.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu arrived at Nariman Point's NCPA lawns to pay last respects to industrialist Ratan Tata.

The Gujarat government has declared one day of mourning on Thursday in respect of industrialist Ratan Tata. The national flag will be flown at half mast and no cultural or entertainment programme of the government will be held today.

Following the public respects at NCPA lawns, the mortal remains of industrialist Ratan Tata are being taken for the last rites, which will be held with full state honours at the Worli crematorium.

Olympian and Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra recalled his meeting with Ratan Tata in March year and noted that he had not been keeping well at the time.

He expressed condolences over the passing of the Tata Group's Chairman Emeritus. "He will always remain in our hearts and we need to continue following all that we have learnt from him. I will pray to God to give peace to his soul...He was very passionate about sports and was also associated with many sports federation," Chopra added.

Raj Thackeray, the president of MNS paid his tributes to the late industrialist at NCPA Lawns, Mumbai. WHile speaking to reporters, Thackeray stated that Tata's love for dogs transcenced his persona. Stray dogs were welcome across all TATA offices, including the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai.

"Another aspect of Ratan Tata that is very heartwarming and that resonates with me is his love for dogs. Stray dogs are looked after and welcomed in all his premises, be it the Taj Mahal hotel or his group headquarters," he said.

The mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata have been brought to Worli crematorium for the last rites. The last rites, which will be done based on Parsi rituals, will be carried out with full state honours.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to Ratan Tata, remembering him as a humble and patriotic figure despite his status as a renowned industrialist. Kovind highlighted Tata’s modesty, recalling how he adhered to protocol and exuded simplicity during banquets at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders are present at Worli crematorium in Mumbai to pay tribute to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata.

The last rites of Ratan Tata are underway at Worli Crematorium in Mumbai. The veteran industrialist's funeral is being conducted with full state honours.

Ratan Tata's funeral was held at Worli Crematorium on Thursday. The funeral was held with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute for the last industrialist.