Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons Ratan Naval Tata passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night at the age of 86 years. Tata will be accorded a state funeral by the Maharashtra government today, while several top leaders including chief ministers of various states recalled the "megastar's" contribution to the Indian industry.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said she was saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata. "The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for the Indian business world and society," she wrote on X.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath remembered him as a "megastar" of the Indian industry. "His demise is an irreparable loss for the industry. His entire life was dedicated to the industrial and social development of the country. He was a gem of the country in the true sense of the word. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and provide strength to his bereaved family and fans to bear this loss," he said.
Tata, a corporate titan and often known as a 'secular living saint', took over as the chairman of the Tata Group in 1991 from his uncle, JRD, who had been in charge for more than half a century. Tata joined the family firm after acquiring a B.S. in architecture from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, in 1962.
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said the country has lost a very sensitive person who was always dedicated towards national service and humanity. "The demise of the country's renowned industrialist and Honorary Chairman of Tata Sons, Shri Ratan Tata Ji is an irreparable loss not only for the industrial world but for all Indians. Today the country has lost not only a great industrialist but also a very sensitive person who was always dedicated towards national service and humanity. His departure will always leave a void not only in India but also in the world industry," he said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Tata's simple life, moral leadership and spirit of philanthropy were an example, while Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted his "unshakeable conviction in the India growth story".
"The news of the demise of renowned industrialist, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee Shri Ratan Tata ji is extremely sad. He established the Indian industry at the highest level. Indians will always remember his remarkable work in the field of education, health care, cleanliness, human welfare and his contribution in strengthening the country's economy. His simple life, moral leadership and spirit of philanthropy were an example," Deo wrote on X.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma said Tata's contribution was not limited to the business sector only. "He also made an invaluable contribution to social service and nation-building," he said.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said Ratan Tata has not only set up successful industries but has set up a trust, a brand that has given our country a global image. "A person with a very big heart has left us today, this is a great loss for the country," he said.