As the nation bids farewell to one of its most cherished icons, Ratan Naval Tata, Assam grieves the loss of a steadfast ally who significantly contributed to the state’s development journey.
Ratan Tata had a long-standing association with Assam, where the Tata Group made early investments in the tea industry. Most recently, he played a crucial role in establishing a groundbreaking semiconductor assembly plant in Jagiroad, aimed at transforming Assam into a major semiconductor hub. This ₹27,000 crore facility is expected to commence operations by next year, creating numerous job opportunities.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted Ratan Tata’s vital involvement in the semiconductor project, stating that it would significantly enhance employment prospects in the region.
“Shri Ratan Tata Ji’s legacy is one of compassion, statesmanship, and unwavering faith in India’s growth story. His life was defined by entrepreneurship and philanthropy. With his passing, the people of Assam have lost one of their greatest well-wishers. Shri Tata, a recipient of Assam’s highest civilian award, held a special place in our hearts. His commitment to Assam’s welfare was evident in the giant leap of faith he took for our state’s progress,” Mr. Sarma posted on social media.
In 2022, Ratan Tata was honored with Assam Baibhav, the state’s highest civilian award, acknowledging his profound impact on the region.
Contributions to Cancer Care
Ratan Tata also made remarkable strides in enhancing cancer care in Assam. In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated seven cancer care facilities across the state, a significant part of a statewide initiative aimed at making affordable cancer treatment accessible to more towns and cities. The multi-tiered cancer care model, developed by Tata Trusts and run by the Assam Cancer Care Foundation—a joint initiative between the Assam Government and Tata Trusts—reflects Tata’s vision for improving healthcare in the state.
This partnership began in 2017 and has since aimed to combat cancer, particularly focusing on supporting low-income patients who cannot afford expensive treatments.
“He was deeply passionate about improving healthcare in the state, and with his vision, we established the Assam Cancer Care Foundation,” said Chief Minister Sarma.
Sarma expressed that Tata’s death felt like a “personal loss.” He recalled his last visit to Tata in Mumbai, where he thanked him for believing in Assam’s potential as an industrial base and for the semiconductor project. “Every interaction with him left me wiser. His simplicity and humility will always remain etched in my memory,” Mr. Sarma added.
