Industrialist Ratan Tata's mortal remains are being covered with the national flag. (Image: PTI)
Mumbai: Legendary industrialist Ratan Tata was laid to rest with full state honours on Thursday as India bid farewell to its most respected business tycoon. The final rites were performed at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai according to the rituals followed by the Parsi community. He was later cremated in an electric crematorium.
Union home minister Amit Shah attended the last rites of the industrialist on behalf of the government of India. Besides him, Union minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, among others, attended the last rites of the business tycoon.
The veteran entrepreneur’s family members, including stepmother Simone Tata, half-brother Noel Tata and top executives from the Tata Group like chairman N. Chandrasekaran, were also present at the crematorium.
Tata was given a ceremonial guard of honour of 21-gun salute by the Mumbai police after his mortal remains were brought to the crematorium. The Maharashtra government had accorded a state funeral to Tata to honour his contribution to the nation.
In a message, Mr Shah said he is deeply saddened by the demise of the “legendary industrialist and true nationalist”. He said Tata selflessly dedicated his life to the development of the nation. “Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me,” he added.
The home minister further added Tata’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. "Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he said.
Offering condolences on the demise of Tata, Mr Goyal said that the nation has not only lost a ‘legend, but a true nationalist, son of the soil, who believed in the Bharat story".
“This is one of the most tragic days for the country. We have not only lost a legend, a true nationalist, a son of the soil who believed in the Bharat story. Passionate about his work, simple in his lifestyle, rich in his values, and yet so humble,” Mr Goyal said.
The Maharashtra government also declared a day of mourning in the state as a mark of respect to the late industrialist. The national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra was flown at half mast as a sign of mourning.
The Maharashtra CM posted on X: “The precious gem of the country is lost. Ratan Ji Tata was a unique and ideal amalgamation of ethics and entrepreneurship. Ratan Ji Tata was a living legend who successfully took over the reins of the Tata Group, which has a tradition of excellence and integrity of nearly 150 years. The decision-making ability and mental strength that he displayed from time to time took the Tata Group to different industrial heights. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. Ratan Ji Tata was the pride of India, he will always remain a role model for the coming generation of entrepreneurs.”
Earlier, as the news of Tata’s demise spread, several people gathered outside his house early morning to pay tribute. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar arrived early at Tata’s home to pay respect.
The industrialist’s body was taken from his house in a hearse, decked with white flowers, to the NCPA lawns in south Mumbai, where it was kept from 10.30 am to 4 pm for people to pay their last respects. The mortal remains were kept at the NCPA in a casket with a tricolour covering it. Scores of people and dignitaries, including politicians and corporate leaders, paid their final respects to the departed soul.
Prominent among them were NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, his daughter MP Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, finance industry stalwart Deepak Parekh and Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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