Ratan Tata Bids Farewell: Nation Mourns the Loss of Industrial Legend

Delhi: India is mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, a prominent industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group, who passed away at the age of 87. After battling illness, Tata, one of the nation’s most influential figures in the business world, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian industry, where his leadership and vision propelled Tata Group into global prominence.

Tata was widely respected for his pivotal role in putting India on the international business map, a legacy honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awards. Today, as a final tribute, his mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in South Mumbai from 10 AM to 4 PM. The funeral procession will proceed to Worli crematorium at 3:30 PM for the final rites.

The Maharashtra government has declared a statewide day of mourning in recognition of his immense contribution to the nation. Government offices across the state will fly the national flag at half-mast, and all scheduled entertainment events have been canceled. Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar also announced the suspension of state government programs for the day.

Ratan Tata’s extraordinary life left a profound impact on the global industrial landscape. He famously brought the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano, to market and spearheaded Tata’s expansion from salt to software, revolutionizing Indian industry. Known for setting aside 60% of company profits for charitable endeavors, Tata was a businessman with a heart, embodying compassion and responsibility.

Born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay, Tata spent his early years with his grandmother after his parents separated. He earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1959 and began his career at Tata Steel in 1961. His management skills transformed struggling Tata Group companies into profitable entities. In 1991, he took over as chairman of the Tata Group, steering the conglomerate through India’s liberalization, achieving remarkable success.

Under his leadership, Tata launched the Indica, India’s first locally manufactured car, and acquired major brands like Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. Tata’s contributions to Indian automotive history and global business were further marked by the acquisition of Tetley Tea, South Korea’s Daewoo Motors’ truck division, and the Anglo-Dutch steel giant Corus Group.

Despite his passing, Tata’s philanthropic legacy and contributions to industry will live on.