India Inc mourn death of most illustrious Ratan Tata

PTI, New Delhi/Mumbai: India's top tycoons on Wednesday mourned the death of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, with RIL Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani calling him one of India's most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Besides Ambani, billionaire Gautam Adani as well as auto legend Anand Mahindra mourned Tata's demise. "It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian," Ambani said in his condolence message. "At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend." Adani said India has lost "a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path". "Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti," he said in a post on X.

Anand Mahindra said India's economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward and Tata's "life and work have had much to do with our being in this position". Bidding adieu, Mahindra said, "Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T. You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die." Recalling his last meeting with Tata where they talked about the progress of Waymo, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said, "He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy. Thousands of people from different walks of life, including politicians and corporate leaders, gathered at the NCPA here on Thursday to pay homage to the legendary Ratan Tata, whose identity transcended beyond being the top industry icon. The body of Ratan Tata, who died in a hospital here on Wednesday night, was brought from his Colaba home in a hearse decked with white flowers to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai. The mortal remains were kept at the NCPA in a casket with a tricolour covering it.

Among the early ones who arrived to pay respect were Nationalist Congress Party (SP) president Sharad Pawar, his daughter MP Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, finance industry stalwart Deepak Parekh and Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the early visitors at Tata's home.

Holiday in Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tributes to Ratan Tata, the Chief Minister's Office said. A statement quoting CM Shinde said the national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast on Thursday as a sign of mourning. Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in remembrance of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata for whom aviation was especially close to his heart. Officials on Thursday said the three airlines, part of the Tata Group, will be making announcements in remembrance of Tata in their flights during the day.

The demise of Tata also comes at a time when the conglomerate is in the process of completing the consolidation of its airline business -- the integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1 while the merger of Vistara with Air India is set for November 12. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said his invaluable contribution, source of inspiration and legacy, in so many areas to the nation, will live on. On X, Akasa Air said Tata's legacy is one of unparalleled excellence, innovation and compassion. SpiceJet, in a post on X, mourned the passing away of Tata and described him as a visionary leader and pioneering entrepreneur who dedicated his life to building modern India through innovation and social responsibility.

Corporates salute Tata

State Bank of India Chairman C S Setty said Tata shaped the country's industrial and philanthropic landscape. "His leadership at Tata Sons redefined corporate responsibility and innovation, positioning the Tata Group as a global force while remaining rooted in ethics," Setty said. Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal said,"In the passing of Ratan Tata, we have not only lost the jewel in the crown of Indian industry but also a man whose vision and outstanding personal qualities made him an icon for every Indian." Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal termed Tata as a visionary leader and ethical statesman. RPSG Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said in Tata's death "The world has lost a true visionary and humanitarian".

"Mr Ratan Tata's unparalleled contributions to business and society will forever remain his legacy," Goenka said, adding that the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons "touched the lives of every Indian in his own soft, unassuming way, leaving an indelible mark that may never be equaled". Industry chamber CII Director General, Chandrajit Banerjee termed Tata as "the perfect example of a leader, nation builder, philanthropist, a global entrepreneur and much more." Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shailesh Chandra said Tata, a towering figure, played a stellar role in bringing the Indian auto industry to the global stage. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Managing Director & CEO Masakazu Yoshimura said as a global corporate luminary, Tata will forever be remembered for his transformative contribution towards modernisation of the Indian business landscape and deep compassion towards the betterment of the society.