News
86-year-old veteran industrialist Ratan Tata passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai yesterday evening (October 9). He is survived by his younger brothers Jimmy Tata and Noel Tata and stepmother Simone Tata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Tata and described him as a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.” Tata provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses, Tata Group, and his contribution went far beyond the boardroom, he added.
The leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi described him as a man with a vision who has left a lasting mark on business and philanthropy.
Ratan Tata was chairman of the Tata Group from 1990 to 2012. Despite his retirement, he maintained strong control over the group via Tata Trusts, which has majority ownership of more than 67% in Tata Sons, the Group's holding company.
The chairman of Tata Sons, N. Chandrasekaran put out 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.”
His remains will be interred at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on October 10 from 10:30 AM. This will provide an opportunity for members of the public to pay their last respects and homage to the departed soul.
At 4:00 pm, the mortal remains will embark on their final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai, for the final rites.
The national tricolour will be flown at half-mast on October 10 at government buildings in Maharashtra as a symbol of sadness, according to a statement by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.