India bids farewell to Ratan Tata: Maharashtra declares state funeral and mourning

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and an iconic figure in Indian industry, was accorded a state funeral by the government of Maharashtra following his death on Wednesday at the age of 86. The state observed a day of mourning on October 10, 2024, to pay respects to the industrialist whose influence extended far beyond the corporate sector.

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led the tributes, describing Tata as a “unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship.” He emphasized Tata’s decades-long contributions to transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse and noted that he embodied values of integrity and compassion throughout his career. The government declared that the national flag would be flown at half-mast across state government offices, and all official entertainment and cultural events were canceled as a mark of respect.

The day of mourning in Maharashtra was marked by quiet reflection across the state, with citizens from all walks of life coming together to remember the immense contributions of Ratan Tata. Many businesses remained closed, and public gatherings were held where people shared stories about the ways in which Tata’s work and philanthropy had impacted their lives. In Mumbai, the atmosphere was particularly somber, with people lining the streets as Tata’s funeral procession moved through the city, a final gesture of respect for a man who had shaped the face of modern Indian industry.

National Leaders and Prominent Figures Pay Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Ratan Tata a “visionary business leader and an extraordinary human being.” Modi highlighted Tata’s humility, his dedication to societal upliftment, and his contribution beyond the boardroom, which endeared him to people from all walks of life. Modi’s statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), lauded Tata’s stable leadership and noted his impact in various fields, including health and education initiatives for millions of Indians.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the funeral on behalf of the central government, paying his respects along with other notable figures from the political and business sectors. Among those in attendance were Mukesh Ambani, Piyush Goyal, and other industry leaders who gathered to honor Tata’s legacy. Shah described Tata as a leader whose influence extended well beyond the industrial sector, noting his contributions to building a strong and prosperous India.

Several state leaders also paid their respects, including Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, who stated that Tata was not just a business leader but also a “champion of social justice and economic growth.” Governor Bais noted that Ratan Tata’s philanthropic efforts were rooted in his genuine concern for the welfare of society, from building schools and hospitals to supporting initiatives in clean energy and sustainable agriculture.

Public Pays Final Respects to the Icon

The former Tata Sons chairman’s body was kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, allowing the public and dignitaries to pay their last respects. Later, Ratan Tata’s body was taken to the Worli crematorium, where he was cremated with full state honors according to the traditions of the Parsi community.

Hundreds gathered at the NCPA to pay homage to the man who helmed Tata Group for decades, with many noting the breadth of his influence, from aviation and steel to software services. His philanthropy and advocacy for ethical business practices also stood out, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar emphasized that Tata’s legacy was not only about corporate growth but also about his profound impact on social welfare and his charitable initiatives.

Throughout the day, people from all across the state arrived to pay their respects. The procession, which passed through various parts of Mumbai, was attended by thousands who wanted to be part of this historic moment. Many spoke of Tata’s humility, recounting instances when he had personally intervened to help individuals in need, reflecting his dedication to making a difference in the lives of the common man. His charitable trusts, which funded education, healthcare, and rural development projects, were often the lifeline for underprivileged communities.

A Legacy Beyond Business

Ratan Tata’s career was characterized by his leadership of the Tata Group during transformative periods for the company. He played a pivotal role in expanding the conglomerate into global markets, with notable acquisitions including Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel. However, beyond his accomplishments in business, Tata was known for his relentless commitment to philanthropy and community service, particularly in education and healthcare.

Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, hailed Tata as a “living legend” who maintained the values of excellence and integrity in all his ventures. Shinde highlighted how Tata’s decisiveness and mental toughness propelled the group to new heights. Prominent business figures such as Kumar Mangalam Birla described Tata’s humanitarian impact as even more significant than his industrial achievements.

Under Tata’s leadership, the Tata Group saw unprecedented growth, not just in terms of revenue but also in terms of its corporate responsibility initiatives. He was instrumental in setting up several charitable organizations that focused on healthcare, rural development, and education, directly impacting the lives of millions. His vision for an inclusive society led him to advocate for skill development and employment opportunities for marginalized communities, something that became a hallmark of the Tata Group’s corporate philosophy.

As the state of Maharashtra bids farewell to one of India’s most respected industrialists, the mourning underscores not only the end of an era for Tata Group but also the immense influence Ratan Tata had on India’s corporate and social landscape. His contributions to making the country a better place are evident in his philanthropic works, which will continue to benefit millions even after his passing.

Maharashtra in Mourning: A Symbol of Respect

Throughout Maharashtra, the day of mourning served as a testament to the widespread respect that Tata commanded across all sectors of society. The tricolour was flown at half-mast, and citizens reflected on the ways Ratan Tata shaped their lives, from products they use every day to the larger social initiatives he championed. His approach to ethical business practices and community-focused leadership is likely to serve as a model for generations of business leaders to come.

Local newspapers and television channels covered the day extensively, featuring interviews with people from various walks of life who had been influenced by Tata’s work. Many small business owners spoke about how Tata’s initiatives had directly or indirectly helped them grow, while educators praised his contributions to improving the quality of education in India. His work in the field of cancer research, particularly through the Tata Memorial Centre, was highlighted as one of his most lasting contributions to healthcare.

Ratan Tata’s passing marks not only the departure of a legendary industrialist but also of a compassionate visionary dedicated to the welfare of society. His legacy, grounded in both business acumen and humanity, remains unparalleled. His work set a benchmark for what corporate leadership could achieve when combined with a genuine commitment to social responsibility. As India moves forward, Ratan Tata’s principles and vision will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, serving as a reminder of the power of ethical leadership and the impact one individual can make on millions of lives.