Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, was laid to rest on Thursday evening at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai. His mortal remains were moved from the lawns of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point, where the public had gathered to pay their last respects.
A large number of people came together at the NCPA lawns to bid farewell to the iconic figure. The final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium on Dr E Moses Road marked the beginning of the last rites.
Dignitaries, including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, were present at the crematorium for the ceremony. Amit Shah, attending on behalf of the Government of India, joined the mourners in paying tribute.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, reflecting on the loss, described Ratan Tata as a legend and a true son of the soil who believed wholeheartedly in the vision of India. Recalling a personal encounter, Goyal mentioned an incident from a recent trip to the U.S. where a woman spoke fondly of her connection with Tata. “Last week, in New York, at a Taj Hotel, the lady running the lift proudly told me that she was a friend of Ratan Tata and had visited India as his guest. It shows the character and humility of the man,” Goyal remarked.
Goyal also praised Tata’s contributions to the business world, highlighting his lifelong commitment to his employees. He recalled Tata Steel’s decision to reduce its workforce during challenging times, where Tata ensured that every worker received full salary for the rest of their working years.
Tributes poured in from leaders across the nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and numerous Chief Ministers. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture on Puri beach in Odisha to honor Tata’s memory.
The Gujarat government declared a day of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-mast and no official cultural or entertainment events taking place. Maharashtra also observed a day of mourning.
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at 86 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Born on December 28, 1937, Tata held key roles in philanthropic trusts and was at the helm of Tata Sons from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2008.
(ANI)