Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a monumental legacy that reshaped Indian business. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a state funeral to honour his contributions, with a day of mourning declared on Thursday.
Nation Pays Tribute to Ratan Tata
The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government buildings in Maharashtra, and several scheduled events have been cancelled in his memory. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as Mr Tata’s body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point, Mumbai, from 10 am to 4 pm today. His cremation will take place later at Worli, with Home Minister Amit Shah attending the ceremony.
The Visionary Who Transformed Indian Industry
Ratan Tata, who led the Tata Group to unprecedented global heights, was widely admired for his humility and philanthropy despite heading one of the largest conglomerates in India. Born in 1937, Mr Tata’s early life was marked by personal challenges, including his parents’ separation. He was raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, and pursued higher education in architecture at Cornell University and management at Harvard.
His career at Tata began on the shop floors of Tata Steel, and he rose through the ranks, becoming chairman of the Tata Group in 1991. Under his leadership, the group saw several key acquisitions, including Tetley Tea, Daewoo Motors, Corus Steel, and Jaguar Land Rover, making Tata Group a global name.
Ratan Tata’s Commitment to Philanthropy
Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr Tata’s contributions to social causes are revered. The Tata Trusts, controlling a majority stake in Tata Sons, have been instrumental in funding initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development. Ratan Tata ensured that much of the wealth created by the Tata Group was reinvested in the betterment of society, setting him apart as not just a business leader but also a humanitarian.
Legacy Remembered
Ratan Tata’s passing has drawn tributes from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a “visionary leader and compassionate soul,” while business figures like Gautam Adani and Anand Mahindra expressed their admiration for his life’s work.
Ratan Tata may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, both in the world of business and philanthropy.
