Mumbai bid a final farewell to legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, who was cremated with full state honours at the Worli crematorium on Thursday. A sea of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the beloved business icon, whose passing marked the end of an era for Indian industry.
The emotional ceremony was attended by top dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Shah, representing the Government of India, paid homage to Tata’s mortal remains at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in South Mumbai, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was en route to Laos for the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits.
Speaking on behalf of the nation, PM Modi expressed his deep condolences on social media, calling Ratan Tata “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said, “He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making our society better.”
The crowd at Worli was a testament to Tata’s profound influence on millions, both in India and across the globe. People gathered in large numbers outside the crematorium, hoping to catch a last glimpse of the man who revolutionized Indian industry and whose philanthropic efforts touched countless lives. The final journey of his mortal remains, from NCPA to Worli, saw a poignant outpouring of love and respect from the masses.
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His death marks the loss of not just a business titan but a humble visionary whose influence extended far beyond the corporate world. Tata’s legacy, built on integrity, innovation, and social responsibility, will continue to inspire future generations.
