Photo Credit:Atul Loke/The NewYork Times
Business titan Ratan Tata, who transformed the Tata Group into a $100 billion global powerhouse, was cremated Thursday in Mumbai with full state honors. He died Wednesday night at age 86 at Breach Candy Hospital after being in intensive care since Monday.
Thousands gathered at the National Centre for Performing Arts, where his Indian flag-draped casket lay in state before being taken to Worli crematorium. Maharashtra declared a day of mourning, and Gujarat followed suit, ordering flags at half-mast and canceling government entertainment events.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who attended the funeral alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other officials, said Tata would be remembered as "a beacon of patriotism and integrity." The state cabinet has urged the central government to award him the Bharat Ratna,
India's highest civilian honor.
During his 1991-2012 tenure as chairman, Tata orchestrated landmark acquisitions including Jaguar Land Rover, Tetley Tea, and Corus Steel. Former President Ram Nath Kovind highlighted Tata's unique approach: "Most industrialists set up industries for money, but he always emphasized national interest."
The outpouring of grief extended beyond business circles. Actor Aamir Khan, who paid his respects, stated, "The contribution of Ratan Tata to the country is priceless." Even his rescue dog, Goa, was present at the viewing, accompanied by Tata employees – a testament to his well-known love for animals.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged Tata's impact, calling him "truly a titan of the business world" who "played a huge role in shaping British industry." The Tata Group remains one of the UK's largest employers.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who worked with Tata on the US-India CEO forum, noted, "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. It is truly seen as a national loss."
Born in 1937 into a Parsi family, Tata studied at Cornell University before joining Tata Industries in 1962. His rise through various group companies led to his appointment as chairman by his predecessor, JRD Tata. Beyond business, he was known for his modesty and philanthropic work in healthcare, education, and animal welfare. In the year 2008, he was accorded the Padma Vibhushan award, which is India's second-highest honor to civilians.
The three-day funeral rituals will continue at his Colaba residence, marking the end of an era in Indian industry.
