India mourns the death of its ‘precious gem’, Ratan Tata. The Chairman emeritus of Tata Group, Ratan Tata passed away on 9th October, 2024 at the age of 86. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The passing of Ratan Tata marks the end of an era.
In his final message just a couple of days ago, he reassured that he was doing well and there was no need for concern. However, the relief was short-lived.
The news of Ratan Tata passing away sent shockwaves across India, with tributes pouring in from politicians, industrialists and common citizens.
Ratan Tata’s body was cremated today at Worli crematorium. He was cremated with state honours.
His body was first taken to his Colaba house late last night from Breach Candy Hospital. From there, his mortal remain was brought to Mumbai’s NCPA this morning, for people to pay their last respect.
When his body was being taken for cremation, a sea of people gathered on roads to get a glimpse of the legendary Ratan Tata. At NCPA, thousands broke barricades to pay tribute to Ratan Tata.
From politicians to business tycoons paid their respect to Ratan Tata. Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, DY CM Devendra Fadnavis, CM Eknath Shinde, DY CM Ajit Pawar, SS UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray, NCP SP Chief Sharad Pawar, NCP leader Praful Patel, were among those who paid tribute to Ratan Tata.
President Droupadi Murmu offered her condolences to the Tata family. In a post on X, she also paid her tribute to Ratan Tata.
PM Modi paid tribute to Ratan Tata, by calling him ‘a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human.’
The Maharashtra government declared a day of mourning in the state to pay tributes to Ratan Tata. Moreover, CM Shinde has proposed awarding the Bharat Ratna to Ratan Tata. The proposal will now be sent to the Central government for final approval.
Born in the Tata family on December 28, 1937, to Naval Tata and Sooni Tata. He was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata. Ratan Tata completed his early education in Mumbai. Then he moved to the US. There in 1962, he earned a degree in Architecture from Cornell University. Then he attended Harvard Business School in 1975, where he did the Advanced Management Program.
Upon his return to India in 1962, he joined Tata Steel. It was in 1991, when Ratan Tata succeeded JRD Tata as the chairman of Tata sons. He served as chairman till 2012. Upon his retirement, he was conferred the title of chairman emeritus of Tata Group.
Under Ratan Tata’s chairmanship, the Tata Group expanded its global footprint. Ratan Tata acquired several international companies and launched multiple innovative products and services.
From acquiring the luxury British car brands- Jaguar and Land Rover, to providing Indian the world’s cheapest car, Tata Nano.
Ratan Tata had promised to come up with a car which every middle class can own. The idea to come up with the Tata Nano popped up when Ratan Tata saw Indian families riding scooters on slippery roads.
During the deadly 26/11, it was Ratan Tata, who stood for 3 days and 3 nights on the pavement of the Taj Hotel, to make sure that all his guests were evacuated safely. He also pledged to take care of the families of those killed or injured in the attack. Moreover, there were 11 hotel employees who were killed in the terrorist attack. Ratan Tata paid the relatives of the staff the salaries they would have earned for the rest of their lives.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ratan Tata donated Rs 500 crores.
Ratan Tata’s love for dogs and animals shines through. The last project close to Ratan Tata’s heart was an animal hospital in Mumbai. Envisioned in 2017, opened for service in 2024.
The hospital is situated in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi. This hospital by Ratan Tata is the first of its kind in the country. The hospital provides 24×7 emergency care for ill and injured animals.
Well, another interesting instance from Ratan Tata’s life which shows his strong love for animals. Once he skipped a royal award ceremony in the UK to stay by his ailing dog’s side. When King Charles III got to know this, he couldn’t help but praise him by saying ‘that’s the man Ratan Tata is.’
One cannot forget Ratan Tata’s contribution in the health sector. Under his umbrella, Tata Memorial Hospital emerged as one of the best centres for cancer treatment. Ratan Tata wanted to serve cancer patients, particularly those who cannot afford the cost of treatment. Ratan Tata made sure that every underprivileged cancer patient gets treatment free of cost.
In his own words, Ratan Tata once said that after his death, he would like to be remembered as ‘someone who worked for the best interest of business and was able to make a change.’ And there is little doubt over the number of lives he has impacted over the course of long, healthy life.
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