Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ratan Tata, describing him as “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.” In a series of posts on social media, PM Modi reflected on Tata’s remarkable legacy.
“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,” read PM Modi’s post on X, formerly Twitter.
Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. 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… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few,” he added.
One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few. pic.twitter.com/0867O3yIro
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has passed away at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. Just days before, on Monday, he had addressed rumors about his health, clarifying that he was undergoing routine medical check-ups due to age-related conditions. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian industry and philanthropy.
“Thank you for thinking of me,” he said.
Thank you for thinking of me ? pic.twitter.com/MICi6zVH99
— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) October 7, 2024
Following the news of Ratan Tata’s passing, heartfelt condolence messages have been pouring in from across the nation and the world. Leaders, industrialists, and citizens alike have expressed their grief and admiration for the legendary business icon.
Many have highlighted his contributions to India’s growth, his philanthropic spirit, and the deep respect he earned throughout his lifetime.
His legacy continues to inspire generations, and his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the corporate and social fabric of the country.
Ratan Tata “blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics,” said President Droupadi Murmu. “A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable,” she added.
In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 9, 2024
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar noted Mr Tata’s contributions towards building a self-reliant India.
“A man of deep commitment and compassion, his philanthropic contributions and the humility he embodied aptly reflect the ethos he embraced. As ‘the legend’ of Indian industry leaves behind a lasting legacy, Bharat would miss him very dearly.”
Deeply pained by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata Ji- a towering figure of Indian industry, whose contributions towards building a self-reliant Bharat will forever be an inspiration to entrepreneurs in India and beyond.
A man of deep commitment and compassion, his…
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) October 9, 2024
While speaking to news agency ANI, Union Minister Piyush Goyal fondly remembered Ratan Tata’s immense contributions, particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic. Recalling a specific incident, Goyal shared how Tata’s philanthropy shone during the crisis, he said, “When the country was facing the COVID-19 pandemic, Ratan Tata pledged Rs 1,500 crore, without any hesitation and condition. Of this, Rs 500 crores were released immediately. This helped us strengthen our hands to fight the battle against Covid.”
#WATCH | On the demise of Ratan Tata, Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, “Ratan Tata was a very sensitive person. He established the Tata group at the international level and also made a name for India. He had a philanthropist character. For every good work – he was always… pic.twitter.com/RiUtrRvCQF
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
Piyush Goyal went on to recall a warm personal memory, sharing how Ratan Tata once visited his home for breakfast. “He came over and we had a simple South Indian breakfast together, including Idli, Vada, and Dosa with sambhar,” Goyal recounted.
What made the moment even more special was Tata’s humility. “As he was about to leave, Mr. Tata turned to my wife and asked, with a smile, if she would like to take a selfie with him,” Goyal shared, fondly remembering the moment. This small gesture, he said, was a true reflection of Tata’s down-to-earth nature, even amidst his towering legacy. Mr Goyal broke down and said, “It is these thoughtful gestures which make the man, the Ratan Tata 140 crore Indian love and the world loves.”
#WATCH | Union Minister Piyush Goyal breaks down as he gets emotional when recalls his memory with Ratan Tata, he says, “…The small and thoughtful gestures which make the man the Ratan Tata – 140 crore Indian love and the world loves.”
Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, ” I… pic.twitter.com/zPAIS9S0ai
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Tata Group and “countless admirers” of Ratan Tata. Along with his message, Shah shared a picture of himself shaking hands with Mr. Tata, accompanied by a touching caption.
“He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation,” Shah wrote. “Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams.”
Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji.
He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment… pic.twitter.com/TJOp8skXCo— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 9, 2024
Union minister Nitin Gadkari condoled the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, “a visionary and compassionate guide”, saying the country has lost a “proud son”. “Over three decades, I was privileged to have a deeply personal and close family relationship with him, where I witnessed his humility, simplicity, and genuine respect for everyone, regardless of their status,” he said.
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Ratan Tata Ji, a proud son of the nation. Over three decades, I was privileged to have a deeply personal and close family relationship with him, where I witnessed his humility, simplicity, and genuine respect for everyone, regardless of…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 9, 2024
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren still “can’t believe” that Ratan Tata is no more. A one-day state mourning has been declared in Jharkhand as he described the industrialist as a person “who gave world recognition to a backward state”.
विश्वास नहीं हो रहा ….
मरांग बुरु रतन टाटा जी की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें। pic.twitter.com/9CfoiJf0bW
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) October 9, 2024
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar tilted Ratan Tata’s death an “irreparable loss.”
महान और प्रतिष्ठित उद्योगपति एवं समाजसेवी रतन टाटा जी के निधन की सूचना से मन अत्यंत व्यथित है।
उन्होंने उद्योग, शिक्षा और समाज सेवा के क्षेत्रों में अपने दूरदर्शी और निस्वार्थ योगदान से देश को नई ऊँचाइयाँ प्रदान कीं। pic.twitter.com/aTj7QwMZDF— Governor of Jharkhand (@jhar_governor) October 10, 2024
“Ratan Tata was the kind of person who didn’t work only for his close ones but for the entire society,” said BJP Leader Shaina NC. “His only goal was to use his earnings for the service of society, to make it better,” she added.
#WATCH | Mumbai | On the demise of Ratan Tata, BJP leader Shaina NC says, “I think Bharat has lost its Ratna. Ratan Tata was the kind of person who didn’t work only for his close ones but for the entire society… His only goal was to whatever he earned to use in the service of… pic.twitter.com/XsiNIjUh2D
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
“He is a legend by any standards and this legend will not fade away,” said Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on the death of Ratan Tata. “Ratan ji will not just continue to be regarded as a major contributor who fashioned the fabric of modern Indian economy and development, he will continue to live on as a legend,” he added.
#WATCH | On the demise of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, “…He not just grew a business empire but his contribution to the development of India and work for humanitarian causes and philanthropy…He was very much a part of India’s… pic.twitter.com/sHINis9bE2
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
Ratan Tata’s body has been placed at the lawns of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point, Mumbai, allowing the public to pay their respects to the beloved philanthropist.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Mr. Tata’s last rites will be conducted with full state honors. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices in the state, and no entertainment or leisure programs will take place. The Chief Minister declared a state of mourning on Thursday, October 10.