Thursday, 21 November, 2024
India bid farewell on Thursday to one of its most esteemed corporate icons, Ratan Tata, who transformed his brand into a global powerhouse spanning multiple industries.
Ahead of the state funeral, hundreds of people, including corporate leaders, politicians, and celebrities, gathered in Mumbai, India's financial hub, to pay their respects to Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday.
Renowned for his exceptional business acumen and philanthropic spirit, Tata led various companies within the Tata conglomerate as chairman for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the group recorded revenues of $165 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Although Tata had stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the group in recent years, he continued to be consulted on major decisions by the leadership of Tata Sons, according to a senior company executive who spoke to Reuters.
Tata had been hospitalized in Mumbai since Monday, though the cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.
Following his passing, tributes flooded in from around the globe, reflecting a popularity that transcended boundaries and generations.
"India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart," US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on X regarding Tata, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said on LinkedIn:
"Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world... His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and the example he set will continue to inspire generations."
Draped in the Indian national flag, Ratan Tata's body was kept at a cultural centre in Mumbai before being cremated with full state honours.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Sons' N Chandrasekaran and Aditya Birla Group's Kumar Mangalam Birla were among the business leaders who paid their last respects.
Other attendees included India's Home Minister Amit Shah, central bank governor Shaktikanta Das, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Aamir Khan.
A licensed pilot who would occasionally fly the company plane, Tata never married and was known for his quiet demeanour, relatively modest lifestyle and philanthropic work.
His love for animals led him to start the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai and he often used social media to voice his concern for stray animals. His pet dog was brought to the funeral.
"We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell," his alma mater Cornell University said on X, calling Tata their most generous international donor.
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India bid farewell on Thursday to one of its most esteemed corporate icons, Ratan Tata, who transformed his brand into a global powerhouse spanning multiple industries.
Ahead of the state funeral, hundreds of people, including corporate leaders, politicians, and celebrities, gathered in Mumbai, India's financial hub, to pay their respects to Tata, who passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday.
Renowned for his exceptional business acumen and philanthropic spirit, Tata led various companies within the Tata conglomerate as chairman for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the group recorded revenues of $165 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Although Tata had stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the group in recent years, he continued to be consulted on major decisions by the leadership of Tata Sons, according to a senior company executive who spoke to Reuters.
Tata had been hospitalized in Mumbai since Monday, though the cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.
Following his passing, tributes flooded in from around the globe, reflecting a popularity that transcended boundaries and generations.
"India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart," US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on X regarding Tata, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour.
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said on LinkedIn:
"Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world... His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and the example he set will continue to inspire generations."
Draped in the Indian national flag, Ratan Tata's body was kept at a cultural centre in Mumbai before being cremated with full state honours.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Sons' N Chandrasekaran and Aditya Birla Group's Kumar Mangalam Birla were among the business leaders who paid their last respects.
Other attendees included India's Home Minister Amit Shah, central bank governor Shaktikanta Das, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Aamir Khan.
A licensed pilot who would occasionally fly the company plane, Tata never married and was known for his quiet demeanour, relatively modest lifestyle and philanthropic work.
His love for animals led him to start the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai and he often used social media to voice his concern for stray animals. His pet dog was brought to the funeral.
"We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell," his alma mater Cornell University said on X, calling Tata their most generous international donor.
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